Post Time: 2025-07-18
Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. When we exercise, our body becomes more responsive to insulin, allowing glucose to enter cells more efficiently.
Exercise can lower blood sugar by increasing muscle mass and reducing body fat, which helps regulate the hormone that controls hunger and satiety. Studies have shown that even short periods of physical activity, such as a brisk walk or light weightlifting session, can help decrease blood sugar levels after meals. Regular exercise also improves insulin sensitivity, allowing glucose to enter cells more easily.
Understanding the Impact on Blood Sugar Control
Exercising with diabetes requires attention to medication timing and dosage. For instance, if you're taking metformin for type 2 diabetes management, consider adjusting your medication schedule according to your workout routine. This can help regulate blood sugar levels throughout the day. Moreover, physical activity stimulates glycogen synthesis in muscles during rest periods following exercise.
Exercise-Induced Insulin Resistance and Its Effects on Blood Sugar
Some individuals experience a temporary increase in insulin resistance after engaging in intense or prolonged exercise sessions. This phenomenon occurs because of increased muscle damage and inflammation caused by strenuous activities like endurance training, HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), or long-distance running. Research suggests that incorporating strength training exercises into your workout routine can help mitigate these effects.
Staying Hydrated: A Key Component in Exercise and Blood Sugar Management
Inadequate hydration negatively impacts blood sugar regulation by reducing insulin sensitivity. It's essential to drink water regularly, especially during exercise sessions lasting more than 60 minutes or performed at high intensity levels like sprinting intervals.
The Power of Aerobic Exercises for Lowering High Blood Sugar Levels
Aerobics help enhance glucose metabolism within the body and boost blood flow in muscle tissues that utilize insulin effectively. For example, aerobic exercises such as brisk walking (speed >5 km/h), jogging, cycling, or rowing have been found to reduce high blood sugar levels.
Tips for Exercise Planning with Blood Sugar Management
Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine according to the following guidelines: engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week; consider alternating days of strength training exercises and cardio-based workouts.
Dr. Michael Wood, blood sugar rises after waking up pediatric endocrinologist at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, reviews current best practices in the management of Type 1 Diabetes in pediatric patients. Presented at 49 blood sugar the 2018 Partners in Pediatric Care CME. Learn more about diabetes what is considered high for blood sugar care at University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital at