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

The aim of the study was to determine whether a recommendation to walk 10 000 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 10 000 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.