The optimal time for physical activity to lower blood sugar levels is as follows.

It is widely acknowledged that daily exercise contributes significantly to a healthy lifestyle. However, a less commonly recognized factor is that the timing of your workouts can greatly influence the benefits you receive.

Recent research indicates that the timing of your exercise routine is as crucial as the exercise itself, particularly in relation to managing blood sugar levels.

What is the optimal time for exercise to effectively lower blood sugar?

Researchers from the University of Granada in Spain have found that evening workouts can result in notable reductions in blood glucose levels.

This conclusion was reached after studying 186 overweight and/or obese adults, with an average BMI of 32.9 and an average age of 47. Each participant engaged in physical activity while wearing an accelerometer to monitor movement and a continuous glucose monitor over a two-week period.

The findings revealed that those who exercised 50% of the time in the evening, specifically between 6 PM and midnight, experienced significant decreases in their blood glucose levels that persisted throughout the day, rather than just immediately following exercise. This was contrasted with individuals leading sedentary lifestyles.

This information is particularly relevant for obese individuals aiming to manage diabetes, as evening exercise appears to provide enhanced benefits for lowering blood glucose levels.

In addition to its effects on blood glucose, the timing of exercise also plays a vital role in other health aspects, such as improving sleep quality, reducing abdominal fat, and lowering blood pressure.

Studies have demonstrated that exercising two hours before bedtime can enhance sleep quality, while morning workouts may be particularly beneficial for women seeking to reduce belly fat and lower blood pressure.