A family’s debate over the impact of diet versus exercise on blood sugar levels has been affirmed by medical experts, who say both lifestyle choices contribute to improved glucose control. The discussion arose after a reader contacted “Ask the Doctors,” a column published by the Daily Herald, detailing their experience with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) prescribed by their physician.
The reader observed improved blood glucose readings on evenings when they and their husband went for walks after dinner. The husband attributed the improvement to the exercise, even as the reader believed it was due to skipping dessert. Doctors responding to the inquiry confirmed that both factors play a role in regulating blood sugar.
Skipping dessert directly addresses the link between added sugars and increased blood glucose, according to the medical professionals. Simultaneously, regular exercise, particularly walking, is a well-established method for improving insulin response and blood sugar control. Recent research, published in 2022, further supports the benefits of post-meal walks.
Researchers in the United Kingdom analyzed data from seven existing studies and found that even a short, five-minute walk after eating can improve blood sugar control. The study, as reported by the Daily Herald, showed that these walks led to less extreme and more gradual changes in blood sugar levels, which is significant because blood sugar spikes are suspected to contribute to the development of Type 2 diabetes. The beneficial effects of a post-meal walk were observed for up to 90 minutes, and even standing for a few minutes after eating showed a modest improvement.
The use of CGMs is also gaining traction as a valuable tool for individuals seeking to understand the impact of their diet and lifestyle on blood sugar levels. These devices provide real-time data, which can be particularly helpful for those whose blood sugar is trending towards prediabetes. The “silent symptom” nature of elevated blood sugar – meaning it often goes unnoticed – makes the data provided by CGMs especially useful, allowing individuals to observe the distinct effects of different foods, like doughnuts versus apples, or the benefits of post-meal physical activity.
In the case of the reader and their husband, the short-term use of a CGM validated the decision to forgo dessert and may have encouraged the adoption of a new habit of nightly post-meal walks. Questions can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to Ask the Doctors, c/o UCLA Health Sciences Media Relations, 10960 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1955, Los Angeles, CA, 90024. However, due to the volume of correspondence, personal replies are not possible.
