‘Activity snack’: Why new blood sugar control method of intermittent walking works

Similarly, what they found is there is no risk of low sugar in people participating in this short-break activity. So, what does this mean in terms of developing a long-term routine? It gives you a workable middle ground. You do not have to worry about a 30-minute brisk walk or running. If you cannot make the time for a moderate intensity physical activity, you can have small activities three minutes every half an hour. Also, a prolonged strenuous workout enhances the risk of sugar levels falling or hypoglycemia in Type 1 diabetics, which is why they have to wear a glucose monitor while exercising. The short strolls are better in that respect,” says Dr David Chandy, Consultant, Endocrinology, at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai.

“Exercise is a cornerstone of diabetes management. This study focusses on the use of small bursts of low intensity exercise to regulate blood sugars in people living with Type 1 diabetes. The same advice holds good in Type 2 diabetes as well,” says Dr Abhijit Bhograj, Consultant, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru.

When exercise is part of your daily routine or you are starting a new regime, it is wise to know your glucose levels at the beginning of the session, in the middle and after exercise. “This helps us time a carb snack to keep our energy levels consistent and avoid low sugars. But according to the study, the chances of low sugars are less with short burst activity patterns. Timely exercise is an important tool that we under-utilise. Not only is it a great way to reduce your blood glucose levels without medication, it also reduces glycaemic variability, improves your moods, energy and immunity. But most importantly, time-spaced exercises reduce risk of diabetes complications. Using technological tools, these days you can easily correlate your blood sugar levels with your exercise schedules, food and medication. These give you a chance to explore what works for you and how to achieve your glycaemic goals,” adds Dr Bhograj.

This is the reason why endocrinologists suggest light post-meal walks. Some studies have shown a reduction in blood glucose of 10 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) [7.2 mmol/L] for every block they walk regardless of the intensity.

The researchers found that after the short walks, individuals maintained a blood sugar average of 6.9 millimoles per litre (mmol/L). Their blood sugar levels were higher, 8.2 mmol/L, after the extended sitdowns. Over 48 hours of monitoring, during and after the test period, the blood sugar levels remained in the target range by 14 per cent higher in participants who took walking breaks compared to those who did not.

The researchers presented their findings at the Diabetes UK Professional Conference and published a review in the ‘Canadian Journal of Diabetes.’

In Type 1 diabetes, an individual’s pancreas produces insufficient insulin. So patients usually need multiple insulin shots through the day.

(Dr Chandy is Consultant, Endocrinology, at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai. Dr Bhograj is Consultant, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru)