Exercise in evening hours improves glucose regulation, finds study

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For those at risk of developing insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, recent research brings encouraging news: evening physical activity can significantly improve glucose regulation, especially for overweight and obese individuals.

A study published in the journal Obesity reveals that engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity between 6 p.m. and midnight has a beneficial effect on glucose metabolism for both men and women who are overweight or obese. The research, conducted by scientists from the University of Granada (UGR) in Spain, highlights the potential of timing exercise to maximise its health benefits.

Study Insights

The study involved 186 overweight or obese adults, with an average age of 47 years, and an equal gender distribution. Participants wore accelerometers and continuous glucose monitors for 14 days to track their physical activity and glucose levels around the clock.

Key Findings

The findings demonstrate that evening exercise improves glucose regulation in people with impaired glucose metabolism, such as those with elevated glucose levels or fasting insulin resistance. This effect was observed in both male and female participants, emphasising the universal benefit of evening physical activity for glucose control.

Importance of Timing

The research underscores the significance of timing in physical activity prescriptions. "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 note.

Before this study, it was unclear whether exercising at specific times of the day could optimise cardio-metabolic outcomes. The new findings suggest that evening exercise may be particularly effective in improving glucose regulation, offering a simple yet powerful strategy for those looking to manage their risk of diabetes more effectively.

This study provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals and individuals alike, indicating that the timing of exercise can play a crucial role in managing and improving glucose metabolism. For overweight and obese adults at risk of type 2 diabetes, incorporating evening physical activity into their routines could be a key step towards better health.

(with IANS inputs)

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