People at risk of developing type-2 diabetes may benefit more from being told to sit less and move more than from being advised to exercise regularly, a study suggests.
Scientists at the University of Leicester looked at patients involved in two diabetes investigations - the STAND and Walking Away from Diabetes studies.
They observed that sedentary time (time spent sitting down) was associated with significantly worse levels of blood glucose and high-density lipoprotein (HDL or 'good cholesterol'), even after levels of physical activity had been taken into account.
The researchers also noted that excess sedentary time had a negative impact on adults across all age groups.
Lead researcher Dr Joseph Henson, whose findings are published in the journal Diabetologia, said: 'These studies provide preliminary evidence that sedentary behaviour may be a more effective way to target the prevention of type-2 diabetes, rather than just solely focusing on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.'
The study authors concluded that people may gain important health benefits by reducing the amount of time they spend sitting down by 90 minutes each day.