Pedometers Prevent Pre-diabetes Progressing

Researches at Leicester University Hospitals, UK, wanted to see if the use of pedometers by people with pre-diabetes (type 2) could prevent their progress into a frank diabetic state.  Their findings are published online in the journal Diabetes Care.

Overweight and obese volunteers with impaired 2-hour post-challenge glucose levels were recruited and assigned to one of 3 groups, who received: (1) a 3-hour structured program to promote walking activity using personalized steps-per-day goals and pedometers; (2) the same program, but without step-per-day goals and pedometers; or (3), a brief informatory leaflet (controls).  They all had an oral glucose tolerance test and general exam at baseline, and at 3, 6, and 12 months. 

There were 87 subjects (66% men), of average age 65, in the study.  After 12 months, group 1 – those with the pedometers – had decreased their fasting and 2-hour glucose levels by an average of 24 mg/dL and 6 mg/dL, respectively, compared with the control group.  There was no significant improvement in blood sugar profile in the structured program without pedometers or step-counting (group 2).   

This study shows the clear benefit of pedometers (or another similar goal-measuring approach) to help pre-diabetics postpone the day when they may tip over into full-blown type 2 diabetes.   Pedometers are cheap, small, and easy to find online or in sports- goods stores.