Walking is a simple exercise for people of all ages. If you are living with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, physical activity is an important part of your health routine. Read on to find out how walking after a meal can improve your diabetes lifestyle.

What you should know:

How is walking after meals a good diabetes exercise?
Why is walking after meals good for senior citizens?
What are the benefits of walking after a meal?

How is walking after meals a good diabetes exercise?

Walking for 15 minutes after every meal has been proven to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Short walks after a meal can be more beneficial than a 45-minute walk that you take once a day.

A short walk after a meal done at a moderate pace can effectively reduce blood sugar levels. Walking after dinner can be more helpful because studies suggest that it can keep blood sugar levels in check for 24 hours.

Why is walking after meals good for senior citizens?

Senior citizens tend to have higher insulin resistance which only increases with age. This in turn leads to poor blood sugar control. When you grow older, the tendency to exercise and be physically active also reduces. The practice of walking for 15 minutes after every meal can be a simple way for senior citizens who are not too physically active to control their blood sugar levels. Thus, helping prevent prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

What are the benefits of walking after a meal?

Apart from people coping with prediabetes and diabetes, walking after meals is a healthy practice in general. Here are some of the other benefits of taking a walk after a meal.

Improved digestion

The body movement involved in walking can help the food to move quickly through your stomach and intestines. That can improve your digestion and help with conditions like heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or constipation.

Aids weight loss

Walking needs to be complemented with dietary measures if you are looking at it as a weight loss exercise. Walking for 15 minutes after every meal can help you burn calories in your effort to lose weight.

Reduced risk of heart disease

3 walks of 10-15 minutes a day can help keep blood pressure in control. Taking multiple short walks in a day can be more effective than walking in one continuous session.

Sometimes, walking after a meal can cause indigestion. In such a case, it is better to take a break for 5 to 10 minutes after a meal and walk at a moderate pace. For more fitness or nutrition related advice, visit Activ Living.