Are you looking to boost your health after a meal? Taking a short walk after lunch may be one of the most beneficial habits for managing blood sugar levels, especially for individuals with diabetes or prediabetes.
A recent study highlights that light-intensity walking after meals helps lower postprandial (post-meal) blood glucose levels significantly more than remaining seated. For people with diabetes, controlling blood sugar is critical to reducing the risk of complications, and a 10–15 minute walk can be a simple, practical addition to daily routines to aid in this control.
Light-intensity walks can reduce insulin spikes after meals, thus helping the body process sugars more efficiently. Hence, intermittent short breaks of light walking can improve insulin sensitivity compared to sitting for several hours a day and several days a week. For people with diabetes, stabilising insulin and glucose levels can not only improve daily energy but also decrease the long-term health risks associated with fluctuating blood sugar levels, such as nerve damage, vision loss, heart and blood vessel disease, kidney disease, hearing loss, and being at increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
No matter your dietary status, the Grenada Food and Nutrition Council encourages everyone who is physically able to embrace the benefits of a post-meal walk. Click here to access our latest educational video and get inspired!
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