Biomedicine

Abstract

Introduction: Exercise therapy is considered as a cornerstone for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Pedometers have been used to track the walking progress and to motivate physical activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. The main aim of the study was to investigate whether administration of physical activity using pedometer can reduce HbA1c levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.
Materials and Methods: Study participants were 34, type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, aged between 35 to 55 years. They were randomly divided into experimental (n=17) and control group (n=17). Subjects in the experimental group walked 10,000steps/day for 12 weeks. The subjects in the control group did not undergo any intervention. HbA1c level, blood pressure, body fat percentage, body mass index, waist hip ratio and quality of life were measured for both groups before and after intervention.
Results: The study result showed that there was a significant reduction in HbA1c levels (p=<0.001) and significant improvement in quality of life (p=<0.001) in the experimental group after 12 weeks of pedometer based physical activity. However, no significant decrease was found with respect to the body fat percentage, body mass index, waist hip ratio and blood pressure in the experimental group.
Conclusion: Pedometer based physical activity improves the glycemic control and the quality of life in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.