If you have diabetes, you’ve probably heard about the importance of exercising, but you may be wondering, “How does exercise or brisk walks help in the management of the disease?”. In the following paragraphs, we’ll examine how exercise and brisk walking can improve the condition of people with diabetes. First, it’s important to know that exercise and brisk walks shouldn’t be considered a substitute for medical care.
Walking is a low-impact activity, which is especially helpful for people with Type 2 diabetes. Not only is it convenient, but it can also help improve the body’s ability to use insulin. Here are some tips for incorporating brisk walking into your daily routine:
A good rule of thumb is to walk for at least 10 minutes after meals. This helps mobilize post-meal glucose, which curbs the spike in blood sugar. Healthy people should aim to walk for 30 minutes after eating. If this seems too ambitious, consider incorporating a short walk every half-hour instead. The effects are substantial and you can even use a timer to motivate yourself.
A study published in the journal Diabetes Care showed that short bouts of walking improved blood glucose levels in diabetics. Walking can be a supplement to an exercise prescription, as it helps stabilize blood glucose levels after eating. The study’s authors concluded that short bouts of walking after meals are as beneficial as a longer walk. Those with type 2 diabetes should try the short walks if they have trouble managing their condition.
