Premium

Social media post claims this exercise is good for diabetics; an expert, netizens are not convinced

The key is consistency in any form of physical activity that burns calories and improves overall fitness, said Dr Ravi Shekhar Jha, director pulmonology, MD, MRCP, Fortis Hospital, Faridabad

Can lower body stretch help improve blood circulation? (Source: Pexels)

After we decoded the benefits of calf muscle tapping for diabetics, we wanted to understand if doing a deep squat with a mobile torso helps diabetics — much like a social media post claimed. On Instagram, physiotherapist Madz Mariwa said: “Simple exercise for DIABETIC patient”, and many users wanted to know how the exercise “applies specifically to a diabetic patient”.

Since we also wanted an answer to that question, we turned to Dr Ravi Shekhar Jha, director pulmonology, MD, MRCP, Fortis Hospital, Faridabad who stressed that there isn’t a specific exercise that’s uniquely designed or exclusive for people with diabetes. “However, regular physical activity, in general, is crucial for managing diabetes because it helps burn calories, improve insulin sensitivity, and control blood sugar levels,” said Dr Jha.

“In the video, it seems the influencer is trying to target the pancreas which is related to insulin release. However, we must know that the pancreas is an exocrine and endocrine gland and not a muscle (that can be trained by exercise),” said Dr Jha.

Story continues below this ad

Also Read | Janhvi Kapoor nails Pilates, cardio, and weights; expert tips on incorporating all 3 into your workout routine

According to the expert, when influencers promote a “specific exercise” for diabetes, it might be “more about marketing or emphasising certain benefits of that exercise rather than it being the only or best option”. “While some exercises may be particularly effective for blood sugar control, like strength training or aerobic exercises, the key is consistency in any form of physical activity that burns calories and improves overall fitness,” said Dr Jha.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Madz Mariwa 🇵🇭 (@physicaltherapysession)

It’s important to approach such claims with a healthy dose of skepticism and rely on guidance from healthcare professionals, who can provide personalised advice based on an individual’s health status and needs.

“Always remember that a balanced routine combining various forms of exercise — cardio, strength, and flexibility — is typically the most effective way to manage diabetes,” said Dr Jha.

*DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.*

📣 For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram