A new Spanish study suggests that overweight and obese people should exercise at night to keep their blood sugar levels under control.
“Our findings highlight the importance of the field of precise exercise prescription,” said study author Jonathan R. Ruiz, professor of physical activity and health at the University of Granada. said in a statement on Monday..
“In clinical practice, certified sports and health professionals should consider the optimal timing of the day to enhance the effectiveness of the exercise and physical activity programs they prescribe,” he added.
The researchers tracked the blood sugar levels and physical activity of 186 overweight or obese adults, recording whether they exercised between 6 a.m. and noon, noon to 6 p.m., or 6 p.m. to midnight.
Exercising in the evening was associated with lower daytime, nighttime and overall blood glucose levels in both men and women, and this association was stronger in participants with prediabetes, a serious and common condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes.
More than 38 million Americans have diabetes, a condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels.
The findings are due to be published in the obesity society's flagship journal, Obesity, later this year.
A British study published in April They drew similar conclusions and proposed that nighttime physical activity could lower morning blood glucose levels.
In other studies, Exercising later in the day, especially after meals, has been shown to help prevent blood sugar spikes.
In other words, in the May 2023 survey Adults with type 2 diabetes reported that their blood glucose levels were best when they were most active between 1:43 pm and 5 pm.
“Afternoon exercise is associated with the greatest benefits, but the reasons for this are unclear and current evidence on the best time to exercise is mixed,” said Dr Lucy Chambers, head of research communications at Diabetes UK. He spoke to CNN after the findings were released last year..
“If you have type 2 diabetes, the most important thing is to find exercise that you enjoy and can incorporate into your daily life long-term – whenever you want – whether that's before work, during your lunch break or in the evening,” continued Chambers, who was not involved in the study.