Promoting physical activity for persons with diabetes.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-help physical activity program for persons with type 2 diabetes. Effectiveness was measured by cardiovascular indicators, hemoglobin A1C, anthropometric indicators, and activity levels.



This intervention study included 53 individuals with type 2 diabetes. Participants were randomly assigned. Participants in the intervention group attended the usual Diabetes Self-Management Education Program (DSMEP) and received a copy of the book, Manpo-kei; a concise handout summarizing the key points of Manpo-kei; and a pedometer. Participants not assigned to the intervention attended the usual DSMEP only. Data collection was completed at the beginning of the study and 3 months later using a lifestyle and diabetes questionnaire, a physical activity questionnaire, and cardiovascular and anthropometric measures.



Those who participated in the intervention demonstrated a significant decrease in hemoglobin A1C, weight, and body fat. In addition, they increased their number of daily steps as measured by the pedometer. The control group also demonstrated a significant decrease in hemoglobin A1C and weight. Both groups demonstrated increases in their regular weekly activity. At the end of the study period, the intervention group had a significantly lower diastolic blood pressure than the control group.



Pedometers can be a helpful strategy to motivate persons with diabetes to increase physical activity. However, it appears that attendance at DSMEP alone may be enough to increase physical activity for persons with type 2 diabetes.
Diedrich
Andrea
A
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, Gilbert, Arizona (Ms Diedrich)
Munroe
Donna J
DJ
Northern Illinois University, School of Nursing and Health Studies, DeKalb, Illinois (Dr Munroe)
Romano
Melissa
M
Kishwaukee Community Hospital, DeKalb, Illinois (Ms Romano)
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001835:Body Weight; D001877:Books; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D012648:Self Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology; D015431:Weight Loss
D001786:Blood Glucose; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin