Exercise to lower blood sugar after meals

Effects of Stair Stepping on Late Day Postprandial Glycemia

NA · San Diego State University · NCT05783752

This study is testing if doing one minute of stair stepping after meals can help lower blood sugar levels for people who want to manage their glucose better.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment35 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorSan Diego State University (other)
Locations1 site (San Diego, California)
Trial IDNCT05783752 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate whether one minute of stair stepping at a comfortable pace can effectively reduce blood sugar levels after meals. Participants will wear a continuous glucose monitor for ten days and will alternate between performing stair stepping 15 minutes after meals and a control condition with no exercise. The study will compare post-meal glucose levels between the two conditions and assess how meal types may influence the effectiveness of the stair stepping intervention. Participants will also keep a dietary log to track their food intake during the study period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 65 who can climb and descend stairs and have access to stairs.

Not a fit: Patients on glycemic medications that vary in dosage or those who cannot perform stair stepping may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a simple and effective method for managing postprandial blood sugar levels in individuals.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using stair stepping for glycemic control is novel, other studies have shown that short bouts of physical activity can positively influence postprandial glucose levels.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* between 18 and 65 years
* able to climb and descend stairs
* access to stairs

Exclusion Criteria:

* glycemic medications that vary in dosage
* dosage from meal to meal or day to day (eg insulin titrated to meal size or carbohydrate content)

Where this trial is running

San Diego, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Postprandial Glycemic Response, Postprandial Hyperglycemia, Postprandial Insulin

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.