With the trend of working at home and the combined work model increasingly popular, choosing between a standing table and a sitting table is becoming a hot topic of debate. Not just a story about posture or reducing back pain, experts say that standing tables can also bring metabolic benefits, especially in controlling blood sugar, according to the Indian Express.
According to Kanikka Malhotra, an education expert on diabetes certified in India, sitting for a long time can reduce the body's ability to process glucose, increasing the risk of insulin resistance. This is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
Using an intermediate stand during the working day can improve insulin sensitivity and support glucose metabolism, especially for people at high risk of diabetes, says Malhotra.
Ms. Malhotra emphasizes that the most obvious improvements in blood sugar health only really come when standing combined with light exercise such as walking, stretching or simply moving in the office.
Even standing up for a few minutes an hour has a positive benefit over sitting on your stomach for the whole session, says Malhotra.
To see a noticeable improvement, experts recommend reducing at least 60 - 90 minutes of sitting per working day, by alternating between sitting and standing behind every 30 - 60 minutes.
The total standing time should be 1 - 2 hours per day, accompanied by gentle activities to optimize the effectiveness of blood sugar control.
For those who are prediabetic or insulin resistant, the transition to using a stand should be done slowly.
Ms. Malhotra recommends starting with short periods, using tireless carpets, supportive shoes and avoiding standing still for too long to reduce stress on the musculoskeletal and circulatory systems.
More importantly, you should consult a health professional before changing your working habits, especially if you have underlying diseases such as cardiovascular, neurological or joint diseases.
Standing tables are not a "medicine", but if used properly and combined with exercise, it can become an effective support tool in improving metabolic health and regulating blood sugar.
