Light activity reduces diabetes risk
HOUSEHOLD chores such as ironing and washing dirty dishes can lower the risk of diabetes by themselves, new Australian research suggests.
Scientists found that very light exercise that barely affects the heart rate is vigorous enough to help control blood glucose levels. This is the first study to prove that routine daily tasks could independently lower the risk of developing diabetes and other cardiovascular diseases associated with blood glucose.
But the researchers warn that more strenuous exercise is still vital for physical wellbeing.
“The message that 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise a day is important for good health, still stands,” said Professor David Dunstan, a senior research fellow at the International Diabetes Institute in Melbourne.
”But this research suggests that there are also real benefits from reducing sedentary time and increasing the time spent on normal daily activities.”
Co-investigator Genevieve Healy, from the University of Queensland, suggested people adopt a more “active” approach to mundane tasks.
“Folding clothes or ironing as you watch TV, standing while on the phone or walking to see an office colleague rather than emailing them, are simple and easy ways to do this,” Ms Healy said.
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