Sitting all day such as we do for office work has been associated with negative health effects such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, weight gain and more. So is there anything we can do during those long seated work hours to offset the negative health effects? 

A study in the National Library of Medicine cites that doing calf raises, specifically soleus pushups, at your desk can help with glucose metabolism, lowering diabetes risk. 

So how does this work? 

While most muscles consume glycogen while doing work, the soleus muscle uses glucose. So isolating and exercising this muscle can help increase glucose metabolism regardless of your fitness level. This is supported by a 2022 study conducted by the University of Houston where working the soleus muscle activated glucose pathways, suggesting this could be a method for supporting healthy blood sugar levels. 

The soleus muscle, located at the back of the lower leg beneath the calf (gastrocnemius) is an endurance muscle that plays a major role in maintaining posture while standing or walking. This is a factor in why people are often advised to walk after meals to avoid a blood sugar spike. But in situations where you might not have time such as after lunch at the office, calf raises could be an alternative. 

Key Findings from the Research:

Significant Blood Sugar Reduction: Soleus Pushups performed while sitting can reduce blood sugar levels by up to 52% during post-meal peaks

• Improved Fat Oxidation: Soleus Pushups also enhance the efficiency of fat utilization in the bloodstream
• Insulin-Independent: These exercises mainly activate glucose metabolism within the muscle itself, reducing the load on the pancreas
• Especially Beneficial For: Seniors, prediabetics, and people with sedentary lifestyles

How to Do the Soleus Muscle Exercise:

• Sit on a chair with your back straight
• Keep the front of your feet flat on the ground, and lift and lower your heels repeatedly
• Each movement should last 1–2 seconds
• Do it for 10–15 minutes each time, multiple times a day

The movements don't need to be large—the focus is on continuous stimulation of the soleus muscle, not on working out the thighs or jumping.

Other Ways to Support Your Blood Sugar Health

Diet

• Avoiding or reducing your intake of sweets, added sugars and refined carbohydrates are typical first steps. 
• Reading labels to avoid hidden sugars in salad dressing, pasta sauces and condiments. 

Supplements

Bitter Melon Extract

GlucoBest is packed with high-quality bitter melon extract. This fruit is packed with bioactive compounds that mimic insulin, a hormone in your body that deals with blood sugar. 

Bitter Melon Extract also may reduce glucose production in the liver. Learn more about GlucoBest here. 

Berberine

Berberine is another popular supplement for blood sugar health. It’s a natural GLP-1/ AMPK activator. By activating AMPK, Berberine may help your cells absorb glucose more effectively, which can lead to lower blood sugar levels over time, increasing insulin sensitivity and energy balance.  

If you’re interested in trying Berberine and looking for a good one, check out this one from Best in Nature. Each serving has 400mg and we combined it with MCT oil for better bioavailability. 

Bottom Line

Long hours of sitting have potential negative health consequences including diabetes. But you’re not helpless. Soleus pushups have the ability to increase glucose metabolism. Additionally, Best in Nature has two powerful supplements to support healthy blood sugar levels.

* This article is for informational purposes only and doesn’t constitute medical advice. For immediate health concerns, please consult your physician. 

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

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