Tip of the Day
Sitting at Work and Diabetes in Women
Women who spend four to seven hours a day sitting at work are more likely to show early signs of Type 2 diabetes, according to a 2012 study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
If you have a desk job, fight the urge to be a desk potato:
- Take frequent breaks throughout the day — go for a walk or go to the gym during lunch.
- Instead of calling or emailing a coworker, walk to his or her office to talk.
- Stand while you’re on the phone.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. And walking to and from the water cooler will give you a chance to stretch your legs.
- Keep the candy bowl off your desk to avoid the urge to snack.
It’s also important to know your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Risk factors include obesity, physical inactivity, older age, family history of diabetes, history of gestational diabetes or race/ethnicity.
For more information on the prevention of Type 2 diabetes in women, consult a registered dietitian in your area and visit www.EatRight.org/WomensHealth.
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Reviewed November 2012