Which physical activity can help lower blood sugar levels?

Aerobic exercises, such as walking, jogging, or cycling, are highly effective for lowering blood sugar levels. This is primarily due to the way these activities enhance insulin sensitivity and promote glucose utilization by the muscles. When you engage in aerobic exercise, your body requires more energy, increasing the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream into the muscle cells for fuel. This process can lead to a significant reduction in blood sugar levels, especially beneficial for those managing diabetes.

Additionally, regular aerobic exercise can help maintain a healthy weight, which is an important factor in blood sugar control. It encourages the heart and lungs to work more efficiently, improves overall fitness, and can positively influence mood and stress levels, further aiding in diabetes management.

In contrast, heavy weightlifting primarily focuses on building muscle strength and, while it can have some benefits for blood sugar control over time, it might not produce immediate effects on blood sugar levels like aerobic activities do. High-intensity interval training can also be effective in improving insulin sensitivity, but it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain health conditions. Finally, resting periods of inactivity do not contribute to lowering blood sugar and can lead to elevated levels, making them the least favorable choice in this context.