Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases, the disease is a major health and social problem. That is why prevention is so important. To lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of diabetes, it is not necessary to exercise intensively, even a few minutes of walking after a meal is enough, according to recent studies. Of course, the more we exercise, the better.
Diabetes prevention - every effort counts
The latest findings show that every effort, even the smallest ones, counts, just to avoid lagging in a chair. This is indicated by a meta-analysis of seven studies published by Sports Medicine. It showed that simply taking a walk after a meal for just two to five minutes reduces blood sugar levels. And the drop in glucose levels reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Just doing even something small for yourself is enough to reap the benefits, even if it's just small steps, argues Dr Kershaw Patel, a cardiologist at Houston Methodist Hospital who was not involved in the study, in a statement to the New York Times.
The study was conducted among people who did not have type two diabetes or the so-called pre-diabetic state (with elevated fasting blood sugars, but not yet indicating diabetes). They showed that even if we do not walk, but just get up from the table, we can already reduce blood sugars.
Walking after a meal will bring results
Of course, walking gives better results, and the more intense it is, the better. - This is because the muscles burn off the excess sugar that is secreted in the body after a meal, explains Jassie Inchauspe, author of Glucose Revolution: the Life-Changing Power of Balancing Your Blood Sugar.
However, the specialist urges longer walks after a meal, lasting between 60 and even 90 minutes. He argues that any physical exercise helps, it can even be housework or gardening. Cycling, for example, has even better results.
However, a short walk of even a few minutes has the advantage that it can be undertaken in virtually any conditions, including while working, for example in the office. Just go and make yourself a coffee. For those working remotely, it is advisable to get out of the house during work time and take a walk, if only around the building. And if even this is not possible, you can get up from your desk, walk around the flat or go out on the balcony.
Source: medonet.pl