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Efficacy of a pedometer-based physical activity program on parameters of diabetes control in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Araiza P, Hewes H, Gashetewa C, Vella CA, Burge MR

School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.

The aim of the study was to determine whether a recommendation to walk 10000 steps per day would result in significant improvements in glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study was a 6-week randomized controlled trial that included 30 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. After 10 days of baseline activity, patients were randomized into 2 groups: control and active. The control group (n = 15) was instructed to continue with their baseline activity for 6 weeks. The active group (n = 15) was instructed to walk at least 10000 steps per day 5 or more days per week, for 6 weeks. Data relevant to glycemic control and other parameters of health were collected at study weeks 0 and 6. There were no differences in the baseline activity between groups (P = .36). Subjects in the active group significantly increased physical activity by 69% during the intervention phase of the study (P = .002), whereas there was no change in the physical activity of the control group (P > .05). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and resting energy expenditure significantly increased in the active group (P < .05). Finally, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) activity was reduced by exercise relative to the control group (P = .03). There were no differences in any other study parameters during the 6-week study. In conclusion, short-term intervention with a pedometer increased physical activity and positively affected plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 activity in previously inactive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The use of a pedometer may prove to be an effective tool for promoting healthy lifestyle changes that include daily physical activity and self-monitoring of therapeutic goals.

Published 18 September 2006 in Metabolism, 55(10): 1382-7.
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