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Lowering blood sugar levels can be challenging, but a recent study suggests that exercising in the evening might be a key strategy for improvement. Published on Monday in the journal Obesity, the research indicates that moderate to vigorous physical activity in the evening is particularly effective for sedentary adults with overweight and obesity in reducing daily blood sugar levels.
The study, led by Jonatan R. Ruiz, Professor of Physical Activity and Health at the University of Granada in Spain, underscores the importance of “precision exercise prescription.” Professor Ruiz emphasizes that medical and sports professionals should consider the optimal timing of exercise to maximize its benefits.
The research team monitored 186 adults, who were divided into groups based on their exercise times: between 6 a.m. and noon, noon to 6 p.m., and 6 p.m. to midnight. Over 14 days, participants, who had an average age of 46 and a body mass index of 32.9 kg/m², engaged in their designated exercise routines. The findings revealed that those who performed more than half of their moderate to vigorous physical activity in the evening experienced significant reductions in their blood glucose levels throughout the day and night.
This association was particularly pronounced in individuals with impaired glucose regulation and was consistent across both men and women. “Our results highlight the importance of the field of precision exercise prescription,” said Ruiz. “In clinical practice, certified sports and medical personnel should consider the optimal timing of the day to enhance the effectiveness of the exercise and physical activity programs they prescribe.”
This study builds on previous research published in Diabetes Care, which followed 30,000 people over nearly eight years. That study also found that evening exercise offered substantial health benefits, particularly in reducing the risk of premature death and cardiovascular disease.
In conclusion, the growing body of evidence suggests that timing may be a crucial factor in exercise regimens, especially for those looking to manage blood sugar levels and combat obesity. As such, incorporating evening workouts could be a beneficial strategy for improving overall health.
