Diabetics, here’s how you can ‘twist’ your way to manage blood sugar levels efficiently

Taking a cue, let’s understand how the exercise works on the body.

Any form of exercise like jumping, twisting, skipping, running or jogging, etc., is generally useful in blood glucose reduction, siad Dr R M Anjana, managing director, Dr Mohan’s Diabetes Specialties Centre and Vice-President of Madras Diabetes Research Foundation. “This is done in two ways: muscle utilisation of the glucose makes use of blood glucose as muscle consumes/burns glucose with the help of oxygen. Over time, with weight training, the muscle expands, and the big muscles consume more glucose with increased blood flow during these periods of exercise,” said Dr Anjana.

Here’s an exercise that can help (Source: Unsplash)

Agreeing, Dr Aafrin Shabbir, internal medicine and diabetologist, senior consultant, Gleneagles Hospital Chennai said that twisting exercises help maintain blood sugar levels provided other measures are followed.

Twisting exercises help to control blood sugar, stimulate the digestive system, and improve circulation, stressed Dr Aklesh Tandekar, head consultant critical care, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road. “Doing regular twisting exercises is helpful for those with diabetes. Incorporating twists into your routine doesn’t require hours at the gym or specialized equipment, one can just dedicate around 25 minutes of dedicated practice,” said Dr Tandekar.

“Any movement helps improve digestion and boosts metabolism and your energy levels. Moreover, insulin sensitivity increases with twisting exercises. Additionally, you can have good abdominal muscle strengthening, which can help again,” said Dr Shabbir.

 

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Dr Shabbir also advised that diet control goes hand in hand with exercise for diabetics. “Twisting exercises help with flexibility and relieve spinal, back, and hip pain. One can add exercises like regular walking and stretching, which help increase insulin sensitivity, which in turn helps with blood sugar levels,” said Dr Shabbir.

Stress has a direct impact on blood sugar levels. “Twisting exercises, especially those with a yoga or stretching element, help relieve tension and reduce cortisol levels, leading to better blood sugar control,” said Dr Haricharan G, senior consultant physician, HoD, internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi Ka Pul, Hyderabad.

While twisting exercises alone are not a cure for diabetes, “they can be a valuable addition to a broader fitness routine for better blood sugar management”, added Dr Haricharan.

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.