Frequent Breaks Good For Blood Sugar

New research shows taking quick 2-minute activity breaks at 20-minute intervals as compared with sitting for hours straight after eating significantly improves blood sugar levels. In comparing the blood sugar levels of individuals who sat for extended periods of time after eating with those who took a 2-minute leisurely walk every 20 minutes after eating, there was a 24 percent decrease in the rise of blood sugar in those taking the leisurely walks. If instead of the leisurely walks the individuals participated in a moderate-intensity exercise, the decrease in blood sugar rise was closer to 30 percent - nearly the same benefit. Taking these short intermittent breaks from prolonged sitting after eating appears to have considerable metabolic benefits, effectively lowering both blood glucose and insulin. By simply contracting our muscles, such as in a brief leisurely walk, glucose is pulled into the muscle thereby reducing insulin levels. So if you're sitting at a desk or on the couch after a meal, try a quick 2-minute walk break a few times per hour to help keep your blood glucose and insulin levels optimal.