Don’t sit after every meal – walk for 10 minutes

After a meal, it's better to take a 10-minute walk rather than settle onto the couch to help control blood sugar levels. After consuming carbohydrates, the body breaks them down into glucose, which raises blood sugar levels. Insulin is released to help glucose enter cells for energy or storage. The size and speed of this rise depends on what was eaten, portion sizes, and post-meal activity.

Remaining seated allows blood glucose levels to rise unchecked. Walking, however, activates leg muscles that take up glucose from the bloodstream, helping to temper the immediate glucose spike. Ten minutes is enough time to engage large muscles during glucose absorption, yet short enough to fit into a busy schedule. This walk can occur indoors or outdoors, even while doing chores like washing dishes.

For those with diabetes, prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, post-meal walking can be especially beneficial in managing blood sugar levels. It doesn't replace a healthy diet, medication, or regular exercise routine. People with certain medical conditions should consult their doctor before starting a new exercise regimen.