Lace up those sneakers: Walking can improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetics

This study analyzed the effectiveness of a walking program on glycemic control (control of blood sugar) in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Treatment guidelines for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (a condition in which patients either do not make or are not sensitive to insulin, the hormone responsible for breaking down the glucose [sugar] taken in from food) recommend aerobic exercise, such as running or cycling, to decrease the risk of cardiovascular problems.

Walking is a much lower-impact form of exercise that is generally more popular among type 2 diabetes patients. While walking has been shown to improve risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as blood pressure, body mass index (a measure of body fat based on height and weight), and cholesterol levels in healthy subjects, it is not known if it has the same effects in type 2 diabetes patients. Studies examining this issue in type 2 diabetes have had inconsistent results. It is also unclear whether walking has any effect on the control of blood glucose in type 2 diabetes.

This meta-analysis (a comparison of the results of multiple previous studies) examined the association between walking, glycemic control, and other cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes. 20 trials were included in this analysis, including 866 patients. All patients were overweight/obese and were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Walking times varied from 20–120 minutes, 3–7 times per week.

Overall, patients who walked saw a 0.5% average decrease in HbA1c levels (a measure of average blood glucose over 3 months). However, the difference was mainly seen in patients who took part in structured walking programs. A walking program that was structured and supervised by a qualified trainer led to a 0.58% decrease in HbA1c, while unstructured walking did not significantly decrease HbA1c.

Walking was associated overall with a significant reduction in body mass index and blood pressure. Walking programs did not affect cholesterol levels.

This study concluded that walking programs, specifically those that were structured and supervised, improved glycemic control, body mass index, and blood pressure in type 2 diabetes patients.

If trying to control blood glucose with lifestyle modifications in type 2 diabetes, consider talking to your doctor about relevant walking programs.