Short answer: Research suggests that prolonged sitting may influence how your body processes glucose, especially after meals. A 2022 University of Houston study found that activating the soleus muscle during sitting was associated with a 52% reduction in post-meal blood sugar spikes in a laboratory setting using a specialised protocol. The muscle that becomes inactive when you sit may play a role in how your body handles glucose after eating.
Most people think about what they eat.
Few people think about what their muscles do — or don't do — while they sit.
There is a muscle in your calf called the soleus. Researchers call it your "second heart." →
When you sit for hours, this muscle becomes largely inactive.
That inactivity may affect more than just your legs. It may also influence how your body handles post-meal blood sugar.
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The Hamilton study (2022) from the University of Houston found that sustained soleus activation during seated time produced a 52% reduction in post-meal glucose excursion — meaning lower blood sugar spikes after eating — and a 60% reduction in insulin requirement compared to uninterrupted sitting. The soleus, comprising only about 1% of body mass, became the dominant glucose-consuming tissue during the session.
Important context: This study used a specialised laboratory device to induce sustained soleus contraction. The 52% reduction was measured in that specific context. Casual heel raises may not produce identical results.
The Elek study (2025) extended these findings to a prediabetic population, observing a 32% reduction in prediabetic indicators with soleus activation during seated time — and no laboratory equipment was required. This suggests that seated movement may help support post-meal blood sugar regulation.
Read the full research summary →
The soleus muscle is unique. Unlike most muscles that rely on stored glycogen for energy, the soleus draws fuel directly from your bloodstream. This makes it unusually efficient at consuming circulating glucose — including the glucose that enters your blood after a meal — when it is active.
But when you sit for 8-10 hours a day with your knees at 90 degrees, the soleus becomes largely inactive. The muscle that could be helping your body process post-meal blood sugar is effectively switched off.
Blood sugar regulation is just one example of a broader area we call Soleus Health — the study of how soleus activity influences circulation, metabolism, and health during prolonged sitting. Explore sitting physiology →
If you have diabetes, prediabetes, or simply want to understand how your body responds to sitting, this research suggests that seated soleus activation may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider. It is not a replacement for medication, diet, or exercise prescribed by your doctor — but it may be a complementary practice to help support healthy post-meal blood sugar levels.
Important: Always consult your doctor before making changes to your diabetes management routine. Monitor your blood sugar as directed by your healthcare team.
Educational purpose only. This information is not medical advice. If you have diabetes or concerns about your blood sugar, consult your doctor. Do not change your medication or treatment based on this information.