The Benefits of Brisk Walking Over Jogging for Pre-Diabetic Patients

Why brisk walking is better than jogging for pre-diabetic patients

Why brisk walking is better than jogging for pre-diabetic patients

A recent study suggests that regular brisk walking offers more advantages than vigorous jogging for individuals with pre-diabetes.

Conducted over six months with 150 pre-diabetic participants, the study began by measuring fasting blood glucose levels. Participants were divided into four groups. The first group followed an intervention modeled after the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), a recognized standard aiming for a 7% body weight reduction over six months.

This group implemented dietary changes, reducing calorie intake and adopting a low-fat diet, alongside moderate-intensity exercise, equivalent to 12 kilometers of brisk walking per week. Other participants were randomly assigned to different exercise-only groups: low-amount at moderate intensity (equivalent to 12 kilometers of brisk walking per week), high-amount at moderate intensity (equivalent to 18.5 kilometers of brisk walking per week), and high-amount at vigorous intensity (equivalent to jogging for 18.5 kilometers per week).

The study revealed that moderate exercise primarily burns fat, whereas intense workouts predominantly burn glucose. Over time, moderate activities like brisk walking help regulate blood glucose levels, thereby reducing the risk of developing diabetes. Brisk walking also enhances glucose uptake by muscles, consequently lowering its concentration in the bloodstream.