In the United States, around 35 million adults live with type 2 diabetes. For years, doctors have recommended exercise as a way to help manage blood sugar, but recent research has looked closer at which activities are most effective. The answer? Yoga and walking.
The Study Setup
Published in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science, the study involved 20 adults with type 2 diabetes. Participants were divided into four groups: one practiced yoga, another focused on walking, a third combined both yoga and walking, and a control group continued their usual routine. Everyone in the study took an oral medication to control blood sugar, and those using insulin were not included.
The program ran for three months, during which researchers monitored fasting blood sugar, post-meal blood sugar, HbA1c levels (an average measure of blood sugar), and overall quality of life.
Key Findings
- Participants in both the yoga and walking groups saw significant drops in fasting blood sugar.
- The yoga group experienced additional improvements in post-meal blood sugar.
- All groups engaging in activity showed progress in HbA1c levels, with the combination group achieving the best overall blood sugar control.
- The combination of yoga and walking also led to the most noticeable boosts in quality of life.
What This Means
The researchers highlighted that the group combining yoga and walking had the strongest improvements in blood sugar management. While the study was small and more extensive research is needed to confirm the results, it supports earlier findings linking both yoga and walking to better blood sugar control. Exercise, whether you have type 2 diabetes or not, remains a powerful tool for managing blood sugar levels.
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It’s important to remember that exercise does not replace medication for those who need it. If you have diabetes, always consult your doctor before adding a new activity to your routine.
