Effect of mild physical activity in obese and elderly women with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND: Elderly, obese women with diabetes who have limitations in mobility often are unable to walk for a sustained period of time. We need to find a way to increase physical activity in these subjects. AIM: To evaluate the effect of low-intensity, repetitive, home-based walking regimen on glycemic control in elderly, obese women with diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN: A 24-week open, 2 arms, and prospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 18 elderly people with type 2 diabetes were recruited. Nine subjects were instructed to walk for 5 minutes per hour for most waking hours for 24 weeks. The rest were given standard advice regarding diet and exercise. Glycemic control, HbA1c, weight, BMI, subjects’ physical fitness, QOL, and distance walked in 6 minutes were determined before and after the intervention. INTERVENTION: A mild physical activity of 5 minutes walking/hour everyday and antidiabetic medications prescribed as per clinic procedure. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in HbA1c within the study group (8.76% to 7.43%) (P = 0.08) vs rise in the control group (8.34% to 9.34%) (P = 0.07). There was a significant weight loss within the group which exercised (P = 0.01), but there was no significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: Repetitive low-intensity activity is effective in improving glycemic control and weight management in elderly obese women.