You may have heard that walking is a great way to lower blood sugar. But does walking lower blood sugar immediately? Yes, you can! That’s right – a quick walk around the block or even just up and down your stairs a few times can help to bring your blood sugar levels down quickly. In this guide, we will look into these!
Here are some smart tips to make sure that you get the most out of your walk.
1. Check Your Blood Sugar First
Before you head out for a walk, it’s important to check your blood sugar levels. This way, you’ll have a better idea of how much your blood sugar is likely to drop during your walk. If your blood sugar is already on the low side, you may want to eat a little something before you head out so that you don’t end up feeling lightheaded or dizzy during your walk.
2. Walk at a Good Pace
You don’t have to powerwalk or run in order to lower your blood sugar – but you do want to walk at a good pace. Taking leisurely stroll will still lower your blood sugar, but if you want to see a more dramatic drop, aim for a moderate pace. You should be able to talk, but you shouldn’t be able to sing without huffing and puffing!
3. Wear Comfortable Shoes
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning! In order to really enjoy your walk (and avoid any unnecessary pains), make sure that you wear comfortable shoes that provide good support. There’s nothing worse than getting a blister halfway through your walk!
4. Stick to Flat Surfaces
If possible, stick to walking on flat surfaces like sidewalks or trails. Walking on an incline can still lower your blood sugar, but it tends to do so at a slower rate than walking on level ground. And of course, walking down hills can actually raise your blood sugar levels, so it’s best to avoid them if possible.
5. Bring Along Water and snacks
Depending on how long of a walk you’re planning on taking, you may want to bring along some water and snacks. This is especially important if you take medication for diabetes that can cause low blood sugar levels (such as insulin). That way, if your blood sugar does drop too low during your walk, you’ll have something on hand to raise it quickly.
Conclusion:
Walking is a great way to lower blood sugar levels quickly and easily – and it doesn’t even require any fancy equipment or gym membership! Just remember to check your blood sugar levels before heading out, walk at a moderate pace, wear comfortable shoes, and stick to flat surfaces whenever possible.
And if you medicate for diabetes or think there’s a chance your blood sugar might drop during your walk, bring along some snacks and water just in case. With these tips in mind, enjoy getting out there and exploring the world – one step at a time!