Which exercise is best for blood sugar, walking or jogging? The answer might surprise you . . .
In a recent study, walking briskly for 30 minutes five times a week appeared to be more effective than jogging when it came to lowering diabetes risk.
Okay, so walking definitely has it merits. But so does running -- and swimming, and hiking and biking. The kind of exercise that is best for you is something that you will do consistently -- whatever it may be. Just make sure you cover all the bases; you need a mix of strength, stamina and flexibility training in your routine.
As for walking vs. running: Both improve insulin sensitivity, which helps your body use glucose efficiently. But in a study, walking improved pancreatic function more than running did for a group of middle-aged, overweight, sedentary folks with high cholesterol. Why? Researchers suspect moderate-intensity exercise ramps up fat burning more than vigorous-intensity exercise -- and that could explain the results.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.