A quick 10-minute walk after eating could make a big difference in blood sugar control, according to a new 2025 study published in Scientific Reports.
The research, led by Kaito Hashimoto and his team, tested the effects of walking on blood sugar among 12 healthy young adults—equally split between men and women. Participants consumed a sugary solution and were then placed under three scenarios: resting, walking for 10 minutes immediately after intake, or walking for 30 minutes after a rest period.
The results showed that walking right after eating for just 10 minutes had similar benefits to walking for 30 minutes later. Both walking conditions significantly improved blood sugar levels over two hours compared to simply sitting down after the meal.
While the study focused on healthy young individuals, the researchers acknowledged that more studies are needed to determine if the same effects apply to older adults or people with health conditions like diabetes.
The findings offer a simple and time-efficient solution, especially for people with tight schedules or those at risk of hyperglycemia—where excess sugar builds up in the bloodstream. The Cleveland Clinic notes that high blood sugar is a common concern for people with diabetes.
With diabetes affecting over 800 million adults globally as of 2024, this small lifestyle tweak may be a valuable tool in managing or preventing the disease.
