Best Time to Exercise for Diabetics
The medical community is FINALLY waking up to the science of TIMING.
And all I can say is, well, it’s ABOUT TIME (pun intended).
You see, we all have a circadian rhythm that works in synch with the sun. And this “internal clock” affects everything, from hormones and metabolism to sleep and mood.
So, to be honest, it really was no surprise to learn that our circadian rhythm can also have an impact on exercise.
But now, a NEW study found that folks battling blood sugar issues can use this knowledge to reap some MAJOR health rewards.
To everything, there is a time…
And when you’re battling blood sugar problems, it appears to be the afternoon.
Because according to the new research, that’s when folks with diabetes should plan to exercise.
Doctors already prescribe exercise for people with type 2 diabetes because it helps reduce the risk of complications associated with the condition.
But if those docs want to help their patients even further, they should advise them on WHEN to exercise.
The recent study included 2,400 overweight volunteers with type 2 diabetes. The participants wore accelerometry devices around their waists that tracked their physical activity for four years.
And after one year, the data revealed that the folks who did moderate to vigorous exercise in the afternoon had the GREATEST reductions in blood sugar levels.
In fact, the results were SO dramatic that the afternoon exercisers were far more likely than others in the study to ditch their diabetes drugs altogether.
And the benefits were long-lasting. Three years later, the volunteers who continued their afternoon workouts MAINTAINED reduced blood sugar levels.
Now to be clear, exercise—no matter WHEN you do it—is beneficial. And if you have diabetes, you must stay physically active to keep your blood sugar in check.
So if your schedule prevents you from taking that afternoon walk, don’t throw the (exercise) baby out with the bathwater.
But if you want the biggest blood sugar bang for your exercise buck, try slipping in a workout in the afternoon.
P.S. Is MORE exercise BETTER? Researchers recently asked that question, and you might be surprised by the answer. CLICK HERE for the details.
SOURCE:
“Look AHEAD Research Group; Association of Timing of Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity With Changes in Glycemic Control Over 4 Years in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes From the Look AHEAD Trial.” Diabetes Care 1 July 2023; 46 (7): 1417–1424. doi .org/10.2337/dc22-2413
