July 15, 2019 Afternoon activity better than morning

Being physically active is one of the most important things people with type 2 diabetes can do for their health. Regular exercise can help control both weight and blood sugar levels.

A small study from a team of researchers in Sweden and Norway suggests that people with type 2 diabetes can gain even more benefit from their exercise by being active later in the day.

The researchers studied 11 men, aged 45 to 68, with type 2 diabetes. The men did high-intensity interval training (short bursts of intense exercise alternating with rest periods) three times a week for four weeks. They exercised in the morning for two weeks, then in the afternoon for two weeks.

Researchers found that the men’s blood sugar levels were better after their afternoon exercises (6.2 mmol/L) compared to after morning exercises (6.9 mmol/L). They noted that morning exercises actually increased blood sugar levels.

While this study (which was published in Diabetologia in February) highlights potential benefits of being active later in the day, the researchers emphasized that longer training programs need to be studied to confirm their findings.

This article appeared in Diabetes Dialogue.