Taking a walk after eating can reduce your chances of getting this disease

Walking is an activity that offers many health benefits. According to some new findings, the activity, when done right after a meal, can help diabetics and even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

The study, published in the journal Sports Medicine, was a meta-analysis of seven different studies. It turns out that walking has a direct impact on people’s insulin and blood sugar levels, thereby affecting their risk of diabetes.

Photo by Pablo Merchán Montes via Unsplash

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While the studies had different participants and parameters, they tracked people’s reactions to sitting, standing, walking and more throughout the day. In five of the studies, the participants did not have diabetes or prediabetes, while in the other two they were accounted for.

Those who walked right after eating meals saw gradual changes in their blood sugar levels. When these walks were done within 60 to 90 minutes of a meal, the results were even stronger and better for everyone involved. The results showed that the benefits were felt even after walking 1 or 2 minutes after a meal, showing that everyone is in control of this part of their diet and can take a short walk whether they are in the office or at home.

These results are especially important for diabetics who need to prevent sudden spikes in their blood levels. Still, they’re also beneficial for healthy adults, as these sudden changes can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.

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Aside from helping diabetics and those at higher risk of the disease, walking has been linked to a variety of positive behaviors, including maintaining your weight, improving your mood and energy levels, and positively affecting your cardiovascular health, what the number 1 cause of death in the country.