The Acute Impact of Sit-stand Desks on Post-meal Blood Sugar Levels

Context and Rationale: Uninterrupted sitting is associated with increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and death, even among people who are physically active. These relationships are likely due to increases in post-meal blood sugar observed when people sit for long periods (e.g. > 1 hour) without interruption. In contrast to sitting, standing results in large reductions in post-meal blood sugar levels. Our group has recently shown that sit-stand desks result in large (e.g. 2.5 hour/day) reductions in occupational sitting time. Taken together, these findings suggest that sit-stand desks may help to reduce post-meal blood sugar levels. However, this has yet to be examined in the field. Theoretical Approach and Objectives: The objective of this randomized crossover study is to determine whether people have lower blood sugar when using a sit-stand desk, in comparison to a desk that can only be used while sitting. Methods and Procedures: Sixteen participants will be asked to wear a continuous glucose monitor to measure their blood sugar levels during 2 separate conditions. During one condition, they will be asked to use a sit-stand desk to sit and/or stand as much as they like during 1 workday. During the other condition, they will be asked to work at a seated desk for 1 workday. Participants will be provided with identical meals to eat during each of the two conditions. We hypothesize that participants will have lower blood sugar levels on the day when they use the sit-stand desk, in comparison to the day using a traditional seated desk. Significance and Future Use: If our results support this hypothesis, this would suggest that sit-stand desks may be a useful way to reduce blood sugar levels in people at risk for diabetes. This could also lead to larger population-based interventions studying the health impact of sit-stand desks.