Short Walks All Day or Long Morning Walks: Which Controls Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Effectively

Deepak Rajeev | Dec 02, 2025, 20:31 IST
Is it better to take one long walk or several short walks?
Is it better to take one long walk or several short walks?
( Image credit : Freepik )
Frequent short walks offer significant health advantages. Breaking up sitting time with brief strolls lowers blood sugar and cholesterol more efficiently. This habit keeps metabolism active and boosts focus. While long morning walks enhance aerobic fitness and mood, incorporating short walks daily provides substantial metabolic health benefits. Experts suggest a combination for optimal results.
Highlights
  • Walking is considered a form of medicine, providing numerous long-term health benefits.
  • Research indicates that taking frequent short walks throughout the day can effectively reduce postprandial glucose levels.
  • Making a habit of walking for 5-10 minutes after each meal and during hourly breaks can significantly improve overall health.
Walking is actually a medicine in itself. Whether we are at office, college or home, we can always decide to take a few rounds through the doorway or in the backyard. The long-term health benefits that these short breaks provide to your body and mind are numerous.

However, in this article, we will explore the impacts of long morning walks and short walks throughout the day. With the support of research, clinical evidences and authoritative sources, we will understand which of these methods provide the best health benefits. Hence, you can adopt the right walking routine or make adjustments in your exercise plans so as to reap the best results.


Effects of Walking on Blood Sugar and Cholesterol


Blood Sugar


Consistent Short Activity Lowers Postprandial Glucose
Consistent Short Activity Lowers Postprandial Glucose
( Image credit : Freepik )
Studies have consistently proved that breaking up sitting time periods with short activity or walking can reduce postprandial glucose and insulin as compared with sitting for a long time. Postprandial glucose is the concentration of blood sugar in the blood after a meal. As we all know, increased postprandial glucose can lead to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other dangerous complications like kidney and nerve damage.

Cholesterol


Many research have reported that long walks in the morning can lower the glucose level in our body acutely and heighten insulin sensitivity. Even for people on medications such as metformin, morning exercise does help in reducing glucose.

What Does Experts Say?


Frequent Short Walks Can Be More Effective
Frequent Short Walks Can Be More Effective
( Image credit : Freepik )
According to a leading Indian neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar, frequent short walks are more effective. He wrote in his Twitter post that short walks throughout the day can decrease blood sugar and cholesterol more efficiently. This habit becomes more useful than a single long walk by preventing large sugar spikes after eating and also by keeping our metabolism very active. Furthermore, it boosts our focus, energy and also lowers the risk of stroke and heart attack.

But he also reminds us about the positive outcomes that come from long morning walks that short bouts alone cannot deliver like increase in aerobic fitness, heart health, long-term cholesterol improvement, increased morning insulin sensitivity, improved mood and stress reduction.

What You Should Do for Best Results?


Both Walking Routines are Very Beneficial
Both Walking Routines are Very Beneficial
( Image credit : Freepik )
If you have a busy schedule in the morning and you are not able to set aside particular time period for exercise, you can obviously go for the short bouts throughout the day. You can walk 5-10 minutes after each meal and take a stroll through the doorway every hour. Dr. Sudhir Kumar says that this habit will gift additional metabolic health, along with the same endurance benefits as long morning walks. In contrast to long sedentary periods of work, even 3 minutes of short walks every 30 minutes or 1 hour can do so much good.

But if you have much freer mornings, decide to include both walking practices. After all, your body deserves nothing less than the best right?

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Can walking 30 minutes a day lower blood pressure?
    Yes, walking for 30 minutes a day can help lower blood pressure. Studies show that regular aerobic exercise like walking can lower blood pressure.
  2. Is it better to walk faster or longer?
    It is better to walk faster and longer, as both have distinct health benefits. But combining them provides the greatest rewards.
  3. What type of walking is best for BP?
    Brisk walking is the best type of walking for managing blood pressure. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

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