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The study indicates that individuals with type 2 diabetes could experience advantages from engaging in exercise during the afternoon.

A recent study suggests that individuals with type 2 diabetes might benefit more from exercising in the afternoon rather than in the morning for better blood sugar management. The research, conducted by scientists from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Joslin Diabetes Center, involved over 2,400 overweight individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Participants wore waist accelerometry recording devices to monitor their physical activity.

The study revealed that those who engaged in “moderate-to-vigorous” physical activity in the afternoon experienced the most significant reduction in blood glucose levels. This type of activity includes brisk walking, recreational badminton, and activities like hiking, jogging, or cycling at higher intensity. The positive effects on blood glucose levels were consistent even after analyzing data from the fourth year of the study. People who exercised in the afternoon were also more likely to reduce or stop their glucose-lowering diabetes medication.

The research underscores the potential importance of exercise timing in managing blood sugar levels for individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, the study has limitations as it didn’t consider factors like sleep and diet. Experts, including Dr. Lucy Chambers from Diabetes UK, emphasize the value of finding an exercise routine that suits individual preferences and can be sustained in the long term, regardless of the specific timing. While afternoon exercise was linked to the most substantial benefits, the reasons behind this pattern remain unclear, and existing evidence on optimal exercise times remains mixed. The study’s findings were published in the journal Diabetes Care.

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