Increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes from prolonged sitting

The study, conducted on 518 female volunteers with a mean age of 63 years and a body mass index (BMI) of about 31 kg/m2, showed that sitting habits may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The volunteers wore an accelerometer on the right hip for 14 days to record whether participants were sitting or standing.         Movement and the number of sitting bouts were tracked and combined with blood test data on blood glucose levels and insulin resistance. The participants were also divided into two groups, Hispanic and non-Hispanic, to better understand the influence of ethnic factors on cardiovascular and diabetes risk.     The results showed that among Hispanic postmenopausal women who sat for less than 1 hour a day, every additional 15 minutes of sitting could raise blood glucose 5% faster, one of the major factors leading to diabetes. Meanwhile, among non-Hispanic women, a 15-minute increase in non-continuous sitting time raised it by only about 1%. The study also showed that each additional hour of sitting was associated with a 6% faster increase in insulin levels and a 7% increase in insulin resistance, which are risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.     The study concluded that prolonged sitting in older women carries a high risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. To further clarify the limitations of the current study, the genetic factors of the two groups of women will also be investigated in upcoming studies, as genetic factors are very likely to have a negative influence on the increase in blood glucose.            To minimize the negative effects of prolonged sitting, we can do light exercises in place, sit and work with correct posture, and take short breaks to stand up and move around.     In addition, we should undergo genetic testing for familial hypercholesterolemia covering the LDLR, APOB, PCSK9, APOE, STAP1 and LDLRAP1 genes, so that the disease can be prevented and a doctor can provide specific treatment guidance.   Image: from Ergonomic Trends, translated into Vietnamese. Source: news from eurekalert  Information - Familial hypercholesterolemia test kit - Devyser