Evening exercise, most effective for blood sugar control © Provided by Medical Today

[Medical Today=Reporter Choi Jae-baek] Evening exercise appears to be more effective in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

A study published in the journal 'Obesity' found that evening exercise is more helpful in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

The research team at the University of Granada in Spain studied the effects of moderate to vigorous physical activity on blood sugar metabolism.

Building on past research showing that exercise helps improve blood sugar levels, they aimed to determine whether the effects of exercise on blood sugar vary depending on the time of day.

They analyzed the impact of moderate to high-intensity exercise timing on blood sugar stability using EXTREME clinical trial data.

With an average Body Mass Index (BMI) of 32.9, classified as obese according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) standards.

For 186 adults with an average age of 46.8 years (equal gender ratio), physical activity and blood glucose levels were recorded over 14 days using wearable devices and continuous glucose monitors.

Researchers review the participants' information and then, based on activity time, they engage with the participants daily.

▲Sedentary (no moderate to high-intensity physical activity)

▲Morning (More than 50% of moderate to high-intensity physical activity occurs between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m.)

▲Afternoon (more than 50% of moderate to vigorous physical activity occurs between 12 PM and 6 PM)

▲Evening (more than 50% of moderate to high-intensity physical activity occurs between 6 PM and 12 AM)

Classified as mixed (unable to specify the time period during which more than 50% of moderate- to high-intensity physical activity occurred).

At the same time, they tracked each participant's blood sugar levels in comparison with physical activity information. The participants engaged in moderate to high-intensity physical activity for an average of 24 minutes per day.

The research team stated that on days when participants were very active or moderately active, their average blood sugar levels were 1.5 mg/dL and 1 mg/dL lower, respectively, compared to less active days, reaffirming the association between moderate to vigorous physical activity and blood sugar stability.

In addition, participants classified as 'morning' and 'mixed' showed no significant difference in blood glucose levels compared to static participants, while those who engaged in moderate to high-intensity physical activity in the 'evening' had an average blood glucose level 1.28 mg/dL lower than static participants.

They mentioned that participants classified as 'afternoon' had an average blood sugar level 0.98 mg/dL lower than static participants, and explained that exercising in the evening was most strongly associated with lower blood sugar levels.

In other words, the timing of exercise can influence blood sugar control, and engaging in moderate to high-intensity exercise in the evening was the most effective in lowering blood sugar levels in overweight/obese adults with metabolic disorders.

In particular, the impact of exercise timing on blood sugar control was more pronounced in participants with blood sugar regulation issues, and consistent results were observed regardless of gender.

Meanwhile, experts acknowledge that exercising in the evening is indeed more beneficial for blood sugar metabolism regulation, but

It was advised that morning exercise should not be avoided or discontinued.

They advised that since exercising itself provides numerous health benefits, it is good to work out whenever you have free time.

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How is the weather in the mornings and evenings compared to July?

It seems like I'm getting a bit older.

Evening exercise is good, and taking an early walk in the morning is also a good habit.

Exercise is not something someone else does for you.

The body must move on its own.

I think willpower is the most important thing.

It's now the time when the sun is setting slowly.

Try taking a light walk after meals.