A new study from the Harvard School of Public Health links sedentary habits - specifically prolonged time in front of the TV - to an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. In the study, supported by NIH and the ADA, researchers tracked the health and TV viewing time of nearly 38,000 men for 10 years.

They found that men who watched TV for 3-5 hours a day doubled their risk of diabetes, and those who spent 6 or more hours in front of the tube daily tripled their risk, compared to men who watched TV for one hour or less a week. Those who watched more TV were also heavier, more likely to smoke and drink alcohol, and less likely to exercise. They ate more foods with saturated fat, refined grains, snacks and sweets, and fewer vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Even after accounting for those differences, TV watching was still associated with a significant increase in the risk of diabetes.

Increasing exercise and physical activity significantly reduced this risk. Men who added a 40-minute brisk walk to their days reduced the risk by nearly 20%. Those who exercised vigorously were leaner and had the lowest risk of diabetes.