However, short bursts of activity in between prolonged periods of sitting may help significantly.
A study showed that people who sat for up to four hours, but exercised for just one hour a day, had up to 59 percent lower risk of mortality than those who sit still.
However, the detrimental effects of sitting are not limited to type 2 diabetes, as scientists have previously flagged, sedentary behaviour increases the risk of premature death, cardiovascular disease and atrial fibrillation.
Ettlinger added: “Studies have shown that working long hours increases our risk of having abnormal heart rhythm such as atrial fibrillation and therefore stroke.”