Maximize blood sugar control.
A recent study suggests that individuals aiming to manage their blood sugar levels may benefit most from exercising in the evening.
Research published on June 10 in the journal Obesity indicates that physical activity performed between 6 p.m. and midnight may be more effective at regulating blood sugar levels throughout the day. This effect was particularly pronounced in individuals with impaired blood sugar regulation, commonly associated with diabetes.
Jonatan Ruiz, a professor of physical activity and health at the University of Granada in Spain and one of the researchers involved, emphasized the importance of considering the timing of exercise when designing effective physical activity programs. The study, which involved 186 overweight and obese adults, utilized wearable devices to track activity levels and blood glucose levels over a two-week period.
Participants were divided into categories based on the timing of their moderate to vigorous physical activity, with “morning” referring to 6 a.m. to noon, “afternoon” to noon to 6 p.m., and “evening” to 6 p.m. to midnight. Some individuals were classified as “mixed” if their exercise was spread throughout the day, while others were labeled as “inactive” if they did not engage in moderate to vigorous exercise.
The findings revealed that those who exercised in the evening tended to have lower blood sugar levels during the day and night, particularly among those with impaired glucose regulation. This trend was consistent across both genders.
Renee Rogers, a senior scientist specializing in physical activity and weight management at the University of Kansas Medical Center, who was not involved in the study, emphasized the importance of personalized exercise prescriptions. She suggested that healthcare providers should encourage patients to engage in physical activity regularly, with a focus on afternoon-to-evening movement when feasible, to optimize glucose regulation.
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