Recent research continues to examine the relationship between physical activity and blood glucose levels, including whether the timing of activity around meals may influence blood glucose responses. A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice examined 28 human intervention studies comparing physical activity performed before meals with activity performed after meals. The review included both short-term studies and randomized controlled trials lasting several weeks.
The researchers found that physical activity performed after meals was associated with the expected reduction in blood glucose during the post-meal period. This is consistent with the way working muscles use glucose following food intake. However, when researchers examined overall glucose measures and longer-term outcomes, they did not find a significant overall difference between exercising before or after meals.
The review also identified limitations in the available research. Many of the studies were small, used different types and durations of physical activity, and had relatively short follow-up periods. The evidence was rated as low to moderate quality, and the researchers noted that longer studies involving larger groups of participants are needed to better understand the long-term effects of exercise timing on blood glucose and type 2 diabetes.
The findings provide updated evidence that physical activity following a meal can influence blood glucose levels, particularly during the period immediately after eating. However, current research has not established that a specific walking duration, such as 10 minutes, produces the same results for everyone. The 2024 review supports continued research into the timing, frequency, and duration of physical activity in relation to blood glucose management.
Source: Slebe R, Wenker E, Schoonmade LJ, et al. “The effect of preprandial versus postprandial physical activity on glycaemia: Meta-analysis of human intervention studies.” Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. 2024;210:111638. doi:10.1016/j.diabres.2024.111638.
