When it comes to regulating blood sugar levels, which one edges out the other? (Source: Freepik)Managing blood sugar isn’t only about what you eat; it’s also about how you move. Among the most recommended forms of physical activity for people with diabetes or prediabetes are walking and yoga. Both offer important health benefits and are widely accessible, but when it comes to regulating blood sugar levels, which edges out the other?Walking is a straightforward aerobic exercise that improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood glucose, especially after meals. On the other hand, yoga combines movement with breathwork and relaxation techniques, which studies suggest may reduce stress-related spikes in blood sugar. While both practices have their place in a healthy routine, understanding how they specifically impact glucose levels could help people choose the most effective option, or learn how to balance both.How does walking compare to yoga in controlling blood sugar levels, especially in people with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance?Certified diabetes educator and consultant dietician Kanikka Malhotra tells indianexpress.com, “Both walking and yoga can be very beneficial in terms of their effects on managing blood sugar when it comes to people with diabetes or insulin resistance, although yoga can be even more advantageous in that regard.” She adds, “Compared with walking, yoga can reduce fasting blood sugar and HbA1c. Yoga can also increase insulin sensitivity and promote higher functioning of the pancreas, which is vital in regulating blood sugar levels. In contrast to walking, yoga is a combination of lightweight exercise, deep breathing, and relieving stress, which helps all of them together to balance the blood sugar and, in general, to contribute to metabolic health. Although walking enhances glucose uptake by muscles, when you have diabetes, incorporating yoga into your activity will help your body manage glucose better and have a healthier lifestyle in the long term.”Importance of timingYoga and walking help control the rise in blood sugar after a meal. “It is best to walk 30-45 minutes after a meal because this is when blood glucose levels are at their maximum. Short-lasting walks of 10 minutes are fine, but 30 minutes is the best solution to the long-term effects. Surprisingly, walking not only increases glucose intake into muscles but also increases insulin sensitivity even 24 hours after exercise,”recommends Malhotra. Practicing yoga regularly, following meals, can reduce postprandial blood glucose levels, which is especially effective compared to the effects of walking, as well as insulin resistance and fasting insulin. Malhotra adds, “The effects of yoga can have a pancreatic influence and influence on stress hormones, which in turn stabilises blood sugar. The benefits of combining the two activities after meals are maximised in type 2 diabetes.” Story continues below this adCombining walking and yoga in a weekly routineOne of the best ways to maintain your blood sugar at a stable level is by adding walking and yoga into your weekly schedule, if you are a type 2 diabetes patient. The expert notes that although walking and yoga are effective separately in reducing blood sugar levels, the combined effect is even better. Walking increases body glucose intake and heart condition, and yoga enhances insulin sensitivity and curbs the effects of stress, which may also influence blood sugar. “Combining the two activities makes your workouts different and your body adaptable and no sooner is there any plateau. To achieve the most stable results of regulating blood sugar, consider introducing the practice of walking accompanied by yoga into your weekly routine, as it is the best combination that contributes to efficient diabetes coping,” concludes Malhotra. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.📣 For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd