Seven Lifestyles Shed Light on Exercise Timing: A Physician-Patient’s Perspective

Abstract

ADA guidelines have not yet specified exercise timing. A physician-patient with type 2 diabetes for over 22 years and equipped with a glucometer and continuous glucose monitoring, I tested different evidence-based exercise options in seven lifestyles toward personalizing my routines. The only intervention during the period was the mode of exercise except in lifestyles 1 and 2, where there was also carb control. All other variables including medications were continued without any change. Not only did these lifestyles agree with the existing data on exercise timing but it accomplished an additional objective: the CGM data also helped mitigate the negative effects of pre-breakfast exercise. After avoiding pre-breakfast exercise for about 16 years CGM made me a convert: a moderate intensity pre-breakfast exercise followed by a morning snack every other day turned out to be my most valuable exercise for metabolic control.