Reducing sitting time in type 1 diabetes: considerations and implications

Sedentary behaviours are ubiquitous in modern society with western populations spending approximately ∼50% of their waking hours expending low levels of energy expenditure. This behaviour is associated with cardiometabolic derangements and increased morbidity and mortality. In individuals living with, or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D), ‘breaking up’ sedentariness, by interrupting prolonged periods of sitting has been shown to acutely improve glucose control and cardiometabolic risk factors related to diabetes complications. As such, current guidelines recommend interrupting prolonged periods of sitting with short, frequent activity breaks. However, the evidence underpinning these recommendations remain preliminary and are focused on those with or at risk of developing T2D, with little information regarding whether and how reducing sedentariness may be effective and safe in those living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). In this review, we discuss the potential application of interventions that target prolonged sitting time in T2D within the context of T1D.