Diabetes can cause serious complications affecting the cardiovascular system, kidneys, and vision if blood sugar levels are not controlled.
Diabetic patients are often advised to take medication, eat a healthy diet, and exercise to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Physical activity stands out as an effective way to do this, but what type of exercise is best for people with diabetes?
According to the Hindustan Times, Dr. Austin Perlmutter (a US-based physician) recently shared on social media that there is a type of exercise that is far more effective in regulating blood sugar levels throughout the day .
Short bursts of exercise (such as squats or short walks) are exceptionally effective at regulating blood sugar. Photo: AI
What did the study find?
The study, conducted by the University of Toronto (Canada), included overweight individuals to compare different forms of physical activity throughout an 8-hour workday. Participants were divided into four main groups:
- Group 1: Sitting completely for 8 hours.
- Group 2: Take a single 30-minute walk.
- Group 3: Every 45 minutes, stand up and walk around for 3 minutes.
- Group 4: Every 45 minutes, stand up and do about 10 squats.
The results of measuring blood glucose levels have yielded important findings.
It turns out that short bursts of exercise (like squats or short walks) are significantly more effective at regulating blood sugar than a single 30-minute walk.
In particular, regular squats have shown the highest effectiveness compared to other activities.
Researchers explain that the effectiveness of blood sugar control is directly related to the activation of large muscle groups, particularly the gluteus maximus and quadriceps. When performing squats, these muscle groups are vigorously engaged, becoming key to the body's more efficient sugar consumption. This not only benefits metabolism but also positively impacts brain health, as metabolism and neurological health are closely linked.
Dr. Austin Perlmutter concluded that instead of walking for 30 minutes each day, office workers should simply stand up and do 10 squats or walk around the office for just 3 minutes every 45 minutes. This way, the body will receive tremendous metabolic benefits. This type of intermittent exercise helps maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day, sustainably supporting overall health and brain function, according to the Hindustan Times.