Physical activity in the afternoon or evening is linked to reduced insulin resistance (and thus better control of blood sugar)
A new study published in Diabetologia (the journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes [EASD]) finds that afternoon or evening physical activity is associated with reduced insulin resistance (and thus better blood sugar control) when compared with an even distribution of physical activity through the day. Morning physical activity offered no advantages, concluded the study by Dr Jeroen van der Velde and colleagues at Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.The current global obesity pandemic is partially the result of a lack of physical activity combined with sedentary behaviour (prolonged sitting) during the day. Such behaviour is linked to an increased risk of developing metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes (T2D), while earlier research has found that short breaks in sedentary behaviour are associated with an improved cardiometabolic profile. This evidence is further supported by experimental studies showing that frequent interruptions of extended sitting with standing or light physical activity resulted in lower triacylglycerol levels and reduced blood glucose, indicating an improved blood sugar profile.High fasting serum triacylglycerol levels may be linked to higher concentrations of fat in the liver, which in turn is strongly associated with insulin resistance. Previous studies have demonstrated that exercise is linked to reduced liver fat and improved insulin sensitivity....
