Promoting Physical Activity in the Diabetic and Pre-Diabetic Low Socioeconomic Population: Case Study

Abstract

Introduction: Movement and exercise play a vital role in health maintenance and preventing complications with diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be reversed or/and managed with lifestyle modifications. The lifestyle modification of focus in this study is increasing daily steps with a goal of 10,000 a day. Methods: This is a case study n=1 including participants that were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The focus of the study is to identify any increase in activity level (steps) by giving a patient a pedometer and setting a daily step goal. The patient documented their steps in the activity log every day for 3 months. Their weight and hemoglobin A1C were measured at the beginning and end of the study. A questionnaire was completed at the beginning of the study and at the completion of the study. At the end of the study the patient completed a questionnaire of their perception of increased activity with the pedometer. Results: On the posttest questionnaire, the participant said it did increase the motivation level and compliance. Having a goal did help to increase activity level. The first day steps recorded were 3,357. The daily step goal was set at 10,000 steps. It was met and exceeded 77% of the time over the 3-month period with an average daily step being 14,695. Conclusions: More research needs to be conducted due to a small sample size.