People with diabetes need to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Aside from following a proper diet, adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as engaging in regular exercise, can help regulate blood sugar. Studies indicate that working out in the afternoon or at night is more effective in keeping blood sugar levels in check. Curious about the facts? Read on for more details.

The Benefits of Exercise for People with Diabetes

Engaging in physical activity offers numerous health advantages, particularly for those with prediabetes and diabetes. When a person exercises, insulin becomes more efficient in regulating blood sugar levels. This helps maintain glucose stability and reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications.

Some additional benefits of regular exercise for individuals with diabetes include:

• Keeping weight under control and preventing excessive weight gain
• Lowering blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels
• Enhancing sleep quality, leading to increased energy levels
• Strengthening joints and improving mobility
• Promoting relaxation and reducing stress

How Exercise Timing Affects Blood Sugar Levels

Beyond the duration and intensity of physical activity, the timing of exercise also plays a crucial role in managing blood sugar. A study published in the journal Obesity found that exercising in the afternoon or at night is particularly beneficial for blood sugar regulation.

According to the research, choosing the right time for physical activity is essential in achieving optimal blood sugar control.

The study examined 186 participants, averaging 46 years of age with a mean BMI of 33. The respondents engaged in moderate activities like brisk walking, dancing, and gardening, as well as high-intensity workouts such as jogging, running, cycling, swimming at a fast pace, and hiking uphill.

Findings from the study indicated that performing moderate to intense workouts in the afternoon or at night led to a more significant drop in blood glucose levels compared to those who exercised in the morning. These results align with prior research, which suggests that night workouts, especially after dinner can improve blood sugar regulation the following morning.

When we consume food, particularly carbohydrates, the body needs to process and distribute glucose into the cells. However, conditions like diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome can hinder the efficient delivery of glucose to cells. Exercise helps counteract this by reducing insulin resistance, allowing glucose to enter cells more effectively, ultimately leading to lower blood sugar levels.

Tips for Exercising at Night

Nighttime exercise not only helps regulate blood sugar more effectively but also improves sleep quality. However, engaging in intense workouts too late at night can disrupt sleep patterns. If you prefer working out in the evening, opt for activities such as walking, stretching, or light-to-moderate strength training to maximize the benefits without affecting your rest.

Aside from selecting the right type of workout and intensity level, it’s best to avoid eating heavy meals before exercising. Consuming large amounts of food too close to your workout session may lead to digestive discomfort and stomach cramps.

Research supports the idea that night workouts are particularly effective for people with diabetes in managing blood sugar. However, if exercising in the afternoon or at night isn’t feasible, you can still engage in physical activity in the morning or whenever your schedule allows.

If you have concerns about your health, consider consulting a doctor or using the Ai Care app’s consultation feature, available for download on the App Store and Play Store.

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