Physical activity stage-matched intervention: Promoting metabolic control in type 2 diabetes

Regular physical activity has an important role in reducing cardiovascular risk factors and improving metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. This study aims to investigate the effect of physical activity stage-matched intervention on metabolic control in type 2 diabetes patients.

An 8-week physical activity program conducted with 50 type 2 diabetes females who were physically inactive and in precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation stages of change. Participants were divided into intervention and control groups (each group, n = 25). Data were collected by physical activity stage of change questionnaire and metabolic factors were measured by laboratory tests before initiation program. Subsequently, stage-matched physical activity program was conducted for the interventional group. Control group received routine education from the diabetes center. After 8 weeks, physical activity questionnaire filled out by participants and metabolic factors were evaluated by a laboratory test.

Findings showed patients in the intervention group and compared with control group significantly moved through stages of change after physical activity program (P-value < 0.05). Evaluation of physical activity after educational program demonstrated that the intervention group adopted regular physical activity more than the control group and also the difference between groups was significant (P-value < 0.05). Our findings indicate a significant relationship between physical activity level and moving in stages of change in the intervention group (P-value < 0.05). Comparison of metabolism factors after physical activity program showed significant decrease in glycosilated hemoglobin in the intervention group than the control group (P-value < 0.05). However, significant differences between groups were not observed in other metabolism factors.

Designing and implementing physical activity stage-matched intervention can improve metabolic control and management of type 2 diabetes.