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For those at risk of developing insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, a new study brings encouraging news: engaging in physical activity during evening hours significantly improves glucose regulation, particularly in overweight and obese adults.
Published in the journal Obesity, the study reveals that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity between 6 p.m. and midnight has a notably positive impact on glucose regulation. This finding is especially relevant for individuals who are overweight or obese.
“Choosing the ideal time of day seems to be an emerging strategy to enhance the benefits of physical activity on glucose metabolism, especially for those with insulin resistance or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes,” the researchers noted.
The study, conducted by scientists from the University of Granada (UGR) in Spain, emphasizes that the benefits of evening exercise are even more pronounced in individuals with some form of impaired glucose metabolism, such as elevated glucose levels or fasting insulin resistance.
A total of 186 overweight or obese adults, evenly split between men and women, participated in the study, with an average age of 47 years. These participants wore accelerometers and continuous glucose monitors for 14 days to measure their physical activity and glucose levels around the clock.
The findings underscore the importance of considering the time of day when prescribing physical activity. “This information may be crucial in improving the effectiveness of exercise interventions in these groups,” the authors noted.
Prior to this research, it was unclear whether being more active at a specific time of day—morning, afternoon, or evening—could maximize the cardio-metabolic benefits of physical activity. This study sheds new light on the potential of evening exercise to enhance glucose regulation, offering a strategic approach for those aiming to mitigate the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
