A sedentary life and an excessive rise in blood glucose after meals have been found to be risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes and for cardiovascular-related death. In research utilizing the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study, more than 3,000 adults were evaluated as to their level of activity and dietary habits.
Participants were sorted into three groups by diet preferences. The “Western” group ate mostly fast food, snacks, processed and red meat. The “Mixed” group ate mostly fish, cereals, pasta, rice and poultry, and the “Prudent” group ate mostly fruits and vegetables. Each group was polled as to time spent watching television, and had glucose testing done.
The study found that a diet centered on fruits and vegetables was associated with lower post-meal blood glucose levels and may be a factor in reducing higher levels of glucose seen with prolonged periods of inactivity.
“We already know that prolonged sitting time is harmful to your glucose metabolism, but it is not the end of the world,” said researcher Tina Cao, MD, PhD. “If you can improve your diet to be healthier, it might alleviate the adverse effect on glucose with sitting time.”
For more information about the ways that food choices affect blood glucose levels, read our free guidebooks on Blood Sugar and Carbohydrates.
