2 days ago
A 10-minute walk post-meal can help in blood sugar management
A 2025 study published in Scientific Reports suggests a 10-minute walk after eating could effectively manage blood sugar.
Led by Kaito Hashimoto along with six of his colleagues, the study titled 'Positive impact of a 10-min walk immediately after glucose intake on postprandial glucose levels' examined 12 healthy young adults, six males and six females, and placed them in three conditions:
Control condition (rest): Participants sat and rested after consuming 75 grams of a glucose (sugar) solution.
10-minute Walk Condition: Participants walked on a treadmill for 10 minutes immediately after drinking the glucose solution.
30-minute Walk Condition: Participants sat for 30 minutes after drinking the glucose solution and then walked on a treadmill for 30 minutes.
The study revealed that the 10-minute walk was just as effective as the 30-minute walk, given that there was no significant difference in overall blood sugar control between the two conditions.
It also showed that the 10-minute immediate walk and walking 30 minutes after eating both lowered overall blood sugar levels in a span of two hours compared to just sitting post-meal.
The study did acknowledge that the results are limited to healthy young adults, so further studies are encouraged to see if the same benefits apply to older adults, pregnant women, and people with metabolic issues like diabetes.
The study also presents the 10-minute walking session as a practical solution for busy individuals looking to prevent hyperglycemia, especially those at risk of diabetes.
Hyperglycemia, also known as high blood sugar, 'happens when there's too much sugar (glucose) in your blood' and is common in people who have diabetes, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
These findings are particularly relevant nowadays, given the alarmingly rising cases of diabetes worldwide.
A 2024 report said more than 800 million adults have diabetes globally, a chronic metabolic disease involving blood sugar levels, which can damage the heart, blood vessels, nerves, and other organs if untreated.
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Here's the link in case you want to read the study published in Scientific Reports.— LA, GMA Integrated News