Fact Check: Can Soleus Push-Up reduce blood sugar by 30 mg/dL in an hour?

An Instagram reel claims that Soleus Push-Up reduces blood sugar by 30 mg/dL in an hour. The claim is FALSE

Claim

In an Instagram reel it is claimed that Soleus Push-Up reduces blood sugar by 30 mg/dL in an hour. In the reel by chatterbitespodcast it is said, "Just keep doing it like this while sitting. Keep bringing little-by-little feet. In this way, gradually, gradually, gradually, you will reduce 30 milliliters, sorry, 30 milligrams of your sugar in an hour. This way, your sugar will improve in your blood. While in our homes, bringing feet (moving your feet) becomes a bad habit. We just did some research. We interviewed 1,195 people just a month ago.

Across the country, the tailors who operate their machines with their feet, those tailors whose machines were operated by their feet, out of 1,400 letters, not a single one had sugar, and sorry, only two had it, but one of them had a motor installed on the machine. So what should we do? We had told them it’s a foot-moving machine, and one person was found with sugar, but why was it found? Because this person had undergone a pancreas operation."

The claim can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim is MISLEADING. Soleus push-ups and regular physical activity can help manage blood sugar levels over time, but there's no scientific evidence supporting the claim that they can reduce blood sugar by 30 mg/dL in just one hour.

What is Blood Sugar?

Blood sugar, also called blood glucose, is the level of glucose circulating in the blood, which is the body's primary source of energy. The balance of blood sugar is controlled by insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows glucose to enter cells. When blood sugar levels remain elevated over time, it can lead to a condition known as diabetes.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a long-term condition that arises when the pancreas doesn't produce sufficient insulin or when the body cannot properly utilize insulin. Insulin is crucial for controlling blood sugar levels. When diabetes is not well-managed, it can lead to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), which, over time, may cause significant damage to various bodily systems, particularly the nerves and blood vessels.

Can Diabetes Be Cured?

Although there is no cure for diabetes at present, many individuals can achieve diabetes reversal. This involves managing blood sugar levels so well that medications are no longer necessary. Maintaining this state requires a consistent commitment to healthy eating and regular physical activity.

What are Soleus Push-Ups?

Soleus push-ups are an easy seated exercise that focus on the soleus, a deep muscle in the calf, to improve metabolic health and circulation. The exercise involves lifting and lowering the heels while keeping the balls of the feet on the ground in a rhythmic motion. Perfect for individuals with sedentary lifestyles or limited mobility, soleus push-ups require no equipment and can be done anywhere, offering an accessible and effective way to enhance circulation and support overall metabolic health.

Can Soleus Push-Up reduce blood sugar by 30 mg/dL in an hour?

No, the Soleus Push-Up cannot reduce blood sugar by 30 mg/dL in an hour. While it may help lower blood sugar levels over time and support diabetes management and prevention, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to suggest that such a significant reduction can be achieved consistently through this exercise alone.

Exercise plays a crucial role in managing and preventing diabetes. A study by Salwa J. Zahalka et. al. emphasizes the importance of exercise as a key component of lifestyle therapy for type 2 diabetes. The study demonstrates that regular physical activity positively impacts disease prevention, treatment and helps reduce the associated morbidity and mortality.

Soleus Push-Up is an exercise technique aimed at improving metabolic health. A study by Marc T. Hamilton et. al. showed that performing this exercise could lead to significant improvements in VLDL and triglyceride levels, as well as enhanced glucose tolerance in participants.

Similarly, research by David Elek et. al. suggests that the Soleus Push-Up exercise provides several physiological benefits, including improved blood sugar regulation, enhanced blood flow, increased energy production, and more efficient metabolic activity.

Engaging in Soleus push-ups and regular physical activity can help lower blood sugar levels over time, making it an effective strategy for managing and preventing diabetes. However, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus supporting the claim that Soleus Push-Up can reduce blood sugar by 30 mg/dL in an hour.

Responding to the claim Dr Aman Rathore, DNB, Critical Care Medicine, Max Super Specialty Hospital said, "Physical activity, including exercises that engage the muscles like the Soleus Push-Up, can play a role in managing blood sugar levels but there is no direct evidence to suggest that it can specifically and consistently reduce blood sugar by such a precise amount in such a short time frame.

The Soleus Push-Up, which involves contracting the soleus muscle in the lower leg, can help improve circulation, enhance insulin sensitivity, and increase glucose uptake by muscles. These benefits contribute to better blood sugar control over time, especially when performed regularly as part of a broader exercise regimen. However, the reduction in blood sugar depends on several factors such as the intensity of the activity, an individual’s baseline blood sugar level, overall health, and whether they have conditions like diabetes.

While short bursts of exercise can have an impact on blood sugar levels, it is unrealistic to expect a dramatic drop of 30 mg/dL in just one hour for every individual. Managing blood sugar effectively requires a holistic approach that combines regular physical activity, a balanced diet, weight management, and, when necessary, medication as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

For individuals with diabetes or those concerned about their blood sugar levels, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses their unique needs. Relying on isolated exercises or claims about quick fixes can delay proper treatment and may lead to mismanagement of the condition."

Dr Pallavi Gupta, Consultant Pediatrician, SK Jain Hospital, Geeta Colony further added, "Blood sugar levels are influenced by various factors, including diet, exercise, and individual health conditions. While exercises targeting the calf muscles, such as the Soleus Push-Up, can positively impact metabolism and circulation, they are not a quick fix for managing blood sugar. Physical activities like the Soleus Push-Up can help improve insulin sensitivity and promote overall blood sugar regulation. However, claiming a specific reduction of 30 mg/dL in just one hour is not supported by scientific evidence. It's crucial to approach blood sugar management with a balanced lifestyle, incorporating regular exercise, proper nutrition, and, when necessary, medical treatment."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

The claim that the Soleus Push-Up reduces blood sugar by 30 mg/dL in an hour is misleading. While the Soleus Push-Up is indeed an effective strategy for managing blood sugar levels, its effects are gradual and not as immediate or rapid as suggested. Furthermore, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support this claim.

Therefore, the claim is MISLEADING.