Walking Toward Better Health

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Walking for exercise—does three times per week influence risk factors in type 2 diabetes? by T. Fritz and colleagues. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 71:21–27, 2006.

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

Healthy muscles are important for good health, particularly for people with type 2 diabetes. High levels of physical activity help improve the body's ability to handle glucose and insulin as well as lower a person's chance of getting diabetes or cardiovascular disease (disease of the heart and blood vessels).

Not all people are able to do strenuous exercise, however. For some, walking is about all they can manage. It's not known for sure how much of an effect simple walking has on one's health.

Why did the researchers do this particular study?

Researchers wanted to study people with type 2 diabetes and how low-impact walking affected their ability to handle glucose and insulin, as well as prevent conditions that lead to heart and blood vessel disease.

Who was studied?

The study included 52 people with type 2 diabetes. The participants were recruited at a single primary care medical office.

How was the study done?

Half of the participants were instructed to walk for 45-60 minutes three times per week for four months. The other participants, who had similar conditions, were given no exercise instructions.

All participants had a physical examination, which measured their blood pressure and weight. Their body mass index (a measure of weight compared to height) was also calculated and blood was drawn for lab tests. The exams and tests were done at the beginning and end of the four-month study period.

What did the researchers find?

Regular walking improved blood pressure, body mass index, and cholesterol levels in the participants' blood. However, there was no difference between the two groups in their ability to handle glucose and insulin.

What were the limitations of the study?

There was no way of measuring the intensity of walks, so there could be important differences in how the participants exercised. Also, there weren't that many people in the study.

What are the implications of the study?

Increasing physical activity to a level of at least 45 minutes of walking three times a week results in some health improvements for people with type 2 diabetes. More research is needed to determine whether different people need different exercise regimens.

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