How walking reduces blood sugar

By Dr. Sonja Stiller, Center for Advanced Vein Care

We are well into the fall now, a time when cooler temperatures discourage many people from an important activity—walking.

Getting in a few steps each day has many health benefits. As a venous health specialist, I like to point out three in particular: decreased inflammation, a stronger calf muscle, and reduced blood sugar. That’s right, exercising large muscle groups reduces blood sugar.

Muscles need energy to move, so they feature glucose receptors, which access the glucose in our blood vessels, reducing our blood sugar. This means it’s especially healthy to take a walk after we eat when blood sugar levels spike.

Although cooler if not cold, fall is still a comfortable time to walk. After just a few minutes of walking, our bodies begin to warm up and adjust to the cold. Within 10 minutes you will feel 10 degrees warmer, often removing your hat, gloves, ear warmers, and jacket, which can be tied around the waist.

So let’s get out there and walk this fall, including participating in annual turkey trot fundraisers, which raise money for worthy causes while they improve our health. In addition, consider starting a family tradition of walking after the Thanksgiving meal instead of crashing in front of the television. Your blood glucose and your legs will thank you.

And be sure to give our office a call if you are suffering from any of the following symptoms:

• leg pain
• swelling
• heaviness
• fatigue
• itching
• burning
• inflammation
• skin discoloration
• restless legs syndrome.

Dr. Sonja Stiller is a diplomat of both the American Board of Emergency Medicine and the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine and the UIP 2023 Lead Chair for Scientific Abstracts. She is the founder of the Center for Advanced Vein Care, a Tier 1 provider with Lake Health Hospital System. The center’s offices are at 7200 Mentor Avenue, in Mentor. For an appointment, call 440-710-1140. More info can be found at YourHealthyVeins.com.