Supervised walking groups to increase physical activity in type 2 diabetic patients.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the impact of an exercise program organized into supervised walking groups in subjects with type 2 diabetes.


METHODS
Fifty-nine diabetic subjects were randomized to a control group receiving standard lifestyle recommendations or an intervention group assigned to three supervised walking sessions per week and counseling. Changes in metabolic features, weight, 6-min walk test, prescription of antidiabetic medications, and overall physical activity were assessed.


RESULTS
Functional capacity and overall physical activity were higher in the intervention group, whereas metabolic changes were not different between groups after 4 months. However, in subjects who attended at least 50% of scheduled walking sessions, changes in A1C and fasting glucose were greater than in control subjects. Discontinuation or reduction of antidiabetic drugs occurred in 33% of these patients versus 5% of control subjects (P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Supervised walking may be beneficial in diabetic subjects, but metabolic improvement requires adequate compliance.
Negri
Carlo
C
Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
Bacchi
Elisabetta
E
Morgante
Susanna
S
Soave
Diego
D
Marques
Alessandra
A
Menghini
Elisabetta
E
Muggeo
Michele
M
Bonora
Enzo
E
Moghetti
Paolo
P
D000368:Aged; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D005215:Fasting / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*
D001786:Blood Glucose; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents