Short bursts of vigorous activity help manage Type 2 diabetes
A study published in Diabetologia suggests that one-minute exercise sessions can help reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes.
Researchers from McMaster University and the University of British Columbia found that brief periods of intense movement could assist people with Type 2 diabetes in managing glucose levels. The study, published in the journal Diabetologia in 2026, focused on a method known as 'exercise snacks'.
The study monitored 31 adults with well-controlled Type 2 diabetes who were not using insulin. These participants were relatively inactive and performed four one-minute bouts of intense bodyweight movements every day for two days.
Participants who did the short exercises saw lower blood sugar spikes after eating breakfast and dinner compared to days without exercise. Researchers also noted better stability in blood sugar fluctuations.
The study noted that the overall average difference in blood glucose between exercise and non-exercise days was not statistically significant. This suggests the benefit lies in managing spikes after meals rather than lowering total blood sugar.
The researchers stated that the findings do not prove four minutes of daily exercise can prevent Type 2 diabetes. The study was limited to 31 participants over a two-day period, and more research is needed to see if benefits last longer.
The 4-minute routine is not a replacement for medical care or the general recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week.