35 million Americans have type 2 diabetes, and for a long time, doctors have said that exercise is a helpful way to manage blood sugar. However, new research has delved into which exercises best impact blood sugar levels. The result? Yoga and walking.
The research appeared in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science and examined 20 adults who had type 2 diabetes. Researchers split the participants into four separate exercise categories: a yoga group, a walking group, a combined yoga and walking group and a control group that made no changes to their routine. Every participant in the study used oral medication to manage their blood sugar levels. Anyone who required insulin treatment was not included in the research.
The participants completed their assigned activities over three months. Researchers tracked their fasting blood sugar, blood sugar levels after food, quality of life, and HbA1c — a measure of average blood sugar levels.
The researchers discovered that people who did yoga & walking showed major drops in their fasting blood sugar levels. Those who practiced yoga also experienced better blood sugar control after meals. Every group that exercised showed better HbA1c results as time went on but the group that combined different activities achieved the strongest overall blood sugar improvements.
The combination group also had the “most substantial improvements” in blood sugar management, the researchers concluded. They also noticed an improvement in the participant’s quality of life.
This was only a small pilot study, so researchers would need to conduct a larger investigation before making any definitive claims. However, earlier studies have already shown that both yoga and walking can help reduce blood sugar levels. Regardless of whether someone has type 2 diabetes physical activity remains an effective tool for controlling blood sugar. It is important to understand that exercise cannot replace medication for people who require it. Anyone with diabetes should consult their doctor before starting any new activity or treatment approach. Other factors also play a role in managing blood sugar effectively. Keeping a healthy body weight matters. Following a nutritious and balanced diet helps as well. Managing stress levels can also contribute to better blood sugar control.
