When it comes to managing blood sugar levels, we might not be focusing on the best exercise. Many health experts suggest taking walks after meals, and while walking is good, there could be a better option: squats.
A recent study highlighted by Dr. Austin Perlmutter, an internal medicine physician, showed that squats might be more effective than walking for blood sugar control. This research involved overweight men who spent 8.5 hours sitting. Some were allowed to walk for 30 minutes during this time, while others did short exercises every 45 minutes.
The findings were interesting. The group that did body-weight squats every 45 minutes had better blood sugar regulation than those who walked for half an hour. This suggests that short bouts of exercise could be more beneficial than longer, less frequent sessions.
The study divided participants into four groups. One group remained sedentary. Another walked for 30 minutes, while a third did brief 3-minute walks. The last group performed about 10 squats every 45 minutes. By comparing these groups, researchers learned that frequent exercise, even in small amounts, can improve blood sugar levels.
Dr. Perlmutter emphasized the importance of this approach. He noted that activating large muscle groups like the gluteus maximus and quadriceps plays a crucial role in managing blood sugar. This means that incorporating little bursts of exercise throughout the day may help keep our metabolism healthy, which is linked to brain health as well.
This study’s insights are timely. With rising diabetes rates and increasing sedentary lifestyles, simple changes to our daily routines could significantly impact our health. According to the CDC, about 34.2 million Americans have diabetes, and many do not manage it effectively. This highlights how small adjustments, like adding squats or short walks into our day, can make a difference.
In summary, while walking has its benefits, incorporating squats into your routine may be a more effective way to manage blood sugar levels. Frequent, short exercises can keep your body active and support overall health.
For more on this topic, you can check out the study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Source link
blood sugar regulation,exercise snacks,squats,metabolic perspective,brain health,walking
