Physical activity promotion program on physical activity and glycemic control in prediabetes

Lifestyle modifications including diet, exercise, and physical activity (PA) form the cornerstone of management of prediabetes. Among these interventions, PA promotion has been gaining popularity and has been used with a variety of clinical populations. However, limited literature is available on the effects of a PA promotion program on prediabetes in a resource-limited setting. This was a single-group, pre-post study with 80 participants with prediabetes fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Baseline biochemical parameters including fasting blood glucose (FBG) and PA levels were obtained. PA was promoted through various activities, keeping in mind the individual’s preference. Adherence to the program was monitored and outcomes were reassessed after 8 weeks of PA promotion. A total of 66 participants completed the 8-week program and were analyzed. The mean ± standard deviation age of participants was 52.27 ± 1.02 years; 52% were men and 48% were women. At entry, the median PA level was 480 metabolic equivalents (METs) · min · wk⁻¹ (240–1140 METs · min · wk⁻¹); 35 subjects were categorized as sedentary and 31 as active having a mean ± standard deviation FBG of 112.91 ± 7.61 mg/dL. Following 8 weeks of intervention, PA increased to 1100 METs · min · wk⁻¹ (720–2240 METs · min · wk⁻¹), with 57 subjects categorized as active and 9 subjects as sedentary. We also observed a marginal decrease in FBG by 0.83 ± 1.83 mg/dL (P > 0.05, not significant). Participation of individuals with prediabetes in an 8-week PA promotion program significantly improved PA levels while demonstrating only a marginal decrease in FBG.