Exercise timing critical for blood sugar management, study finds

Obesity is linked to numerous health issues, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes must carefully monitor their blood sugar levels throughout the day to ensure they remain within a safe range.

Recent research from the University of Granada in Spain has highlighted the impact of exercise timing on glucose metabolism.

The researchers discovered that engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity later in the day is associated with more stable blood sugar levels over a 24-hour period. Their findings were published in the journal Obesity.

The researchers utilised data from the EXTREME trial, observing 186 adults (average age 46.8 years) with an average body mass index (BMI) of 32.9, categorised as obesity.

Recent research from the University of Granada in Spain has highlighted the impact of exercise timing on glucose metabolism.(Photo: Getty Images)

Participants wore devices to track physical activity and continuous glucose monitors for 14 days.

The participants were grouped based on the timing of their physical activity:

• Inactive: No moderate-to-vigorous physical activity
• Morning: At least 50% of activity between 06:00 and 12:00
• Afternoon: At least 50% of activity between 12:00 and 18:00
• Evening: At least 50% of activity between 18:00 and 00:00
• Mixed: Activity not concentrated in any specific time period

On average, participants engaged in 24 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily. The study confirmed that such activity stabilises glucose metabolism. Notably, the 24-hour average glucose levels were lower on active days compared to inactive days.

EVENING EXERCISE SHOWS PROMISING RESULTS

The key finding was that evening physical activity was linked to the most significant reduction in blood sugar levels. Participants who exercised in the evening had a 1.28 mg/dL lower average glucose reading compared to inactive participants.

The key finding was that evening physical activity was linked to the most significant reduction in blood sugar levels. (Photo: Getty Images)

In contrast, those active in the morning or throughout the day did not show statistically significant differences. Afternoon exercisers saw a reduction of 0.98 mg/dL.

"The present study shows that the timing of lifestyle moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is significant and that accumulating most moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during the evening is associated with lower glucose levels in adults with overweight/obesity and metabolic impairments," the authors noted.

This association was even more pronounced in participants with impaired glucose regulation and was consistent across both men and women.

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