Recent research shows that individuals who engage in physical exercise later in the afternoon or evening are less likely to develop diabetes.
Working out in the late afternoon or evening reduces the risk of diabetes
According to researchers in the Netherlands, exercising regularly later in the day has improved blood glucose control. The scientists studied 775 Dutch women and men and established that those engaging in physical activity later in the day were less prone to diabetes than those who worked out early in the day.
Leiden University’s Dr Jeroen van der Velde, the study’s lead author, said that moderate-to-vigorous [hysicla activity resulted in around 25% reduction in insulin resistance relative to a uniform distribution over the day. Additionally, scientists say that the time when physical activity happens could be instrumental for metabolic health, and experts should consider it when giving lifestyle advice.
The study subjects aged 45 to 65 years were split into three cohorts. One group worked out in the morning, afternoon and evening. The groups that worked out in the afternoon and evening had reduced insulin resistance by 18% and 25%, respectively. The researchers also indicate that reduced insulin resistance and liver fat were attributed to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
Interestingly, activity in the morning and evenly spread throughout the day showed no significant difference in insulin resistance. Volunteers were physically examined with scientists taking blood samples to measure insulin levels, fasting, and “after meal blood glucose.” Researchers also collected lifestyle, demographic and clinical information using a questionnaire.
Metabolic responses to exercise differ depending on the time of day
Physical activity timing is an unexplored human biology field, and the mechanism underlying possible benefits is unclear. According to previous studies, metabolic responses to vigorous physical activity differed depending on the time of the day someone worked out.
It is vital to note that muscular strength and skeletal muscle cells’ metabolic function peaks in the late afternoon. Therefore being active during this time can result in a significant metabolic response.
Researchers concluded that the timing of physical activity is important for maximum benefits in insulin sensitivity.
