How walking reduces blood sugar

The days are getting shorter and the holidays are almost here—a time when we tend to eat more and walk less, a dangerous combination. 

At Center for Advanced Vein Care, we’re about more than varicose veins. We offer support for the entire vascular system, so we talk a lot about the importance of walking to keep the calf muscles strong and avoid blood sugar spikes. 

New research is showing that temporary spikes in blood sugar can be as dangerous as chronic diabetes. Spikes occur after eating a big, carb-laden meal (anyone with a continuous glucose monitor will tell you this), and too much glucose is bad for blood vessels. Just like a sugary drink spilled on the counter will become sticky, too much sugar in the blood also becomes “sticky” and gums up the vascular system.

But our muscles reduce excess blood sugar in two ways:

1. They absorb it like a paper towel with help from insulin, especially when we exercise our calves, thighs, back, and buttocks
2. Muscles require more energy when we use them, literally pulling glucose from the blood without depending on insulin.

This is why we encourage our patients to participate in area turkey trots and establish the ritual of going for a walk after the big Thanksgiving Day meal instead of sitting down in front of the TV.

This holiday season, pay attention to your legs, and give our office a call if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:

• leg pain or swelling
• heaviness or fatigue
• itching, tingling or 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 and Elite Vascular Wellness, a Tier 1 provider with Lake Health Hospital System. The center is at 7200 Mentor Ave. in Mentor. For an appointment, call 440-710-1140 or visit YourHealthyVeins.com.