Private MD News

Too much screen time associated with poorer HbA1c test scores

Category: Diabetes

Spending too much time in front of the computer screen or television may lead to poorer HbA1c test results for diabetics, according to a new study published in the journal Diabetes Care.

A team of German researchers analyzed the HbA1c test scores, which measure long-term glucose regulation, of nearly 300 children and young adults with type 1 diabetes. The results showed that those who spent more than four hours per day at the computer or watching TV had much worse scores.

Traditional risk factors like obesity and lack of physical activity did not explained the association between screen time and blood sugar regulation, which indicates a need for further investigation. However, the researchers did point out that it may be a good idea for individuals with the condition to seek more active hobbies.

While the findings did not find that physical activity was associated with glucose control, this is generally accepted as one of the most important things diabetics can do to manage their condition and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.