When you purchase through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Around 35 million Americans have type 2 diabetes and doctors have long recommended exercise as a useful tool for managing blood sugar. Recent research has examined which types of exercise work best for controlling blood sugar levels. The findings point to yoga and walking as particularly effective options. The study appeared in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science & involved 20 adults with type 2 diabetes. Researchers divided participants into four groups: one practiced yoga, another walked regularly a third did both yoga & walking, and a control group maintained their usual routine without changes. All participants were taking oral medication to control their blood sugar. Anyone using insulin was not included in the study. The participants followed their assigned exercise routines for three months. Researchers measured their fasting blood sugar, post-meal blood sugar levels, quality of life and HbA1c which indicates average blood sugar over time.
The group that combined both activities showed the biggest improvements in controlling blood sugar levels according to the researchers. Participants also reported feeling better overall in their daily lives.
This study only included a small number of people so researchers would need to conduct a larger study to confirm these findings. However earlier studies have already shown that both yoga and walking can help reduce blood sugar levels.
Regular physical activity remains an effective tool for managing blood sugar whether someone has type 2 diabetes or not. People who require medication should continue taking it as prescribed since exercise cannot replace necessary medical treatment. Anyone with diabetes should talk to their doctor before starting any new fitness routine.
Managing blood sugar levels becomes easier when you focus on keeping your weight at a healthy level and choosing nutritious foods that provide balanced nutrition. Reducing the amount of stress in your daily life also plays an important role in helping your body regulate blood sugar more effectively.
