A 50-week walking intervention for type 2 diabetes mellitus: a pilot study to improve fitness, BMI, and quality of life outcomes

Abstract

Objective

This study investigated whether a multicomponent 50-week walking intervention, including guidance from lifestyle professionals, improved physical fitness, body mass index (BMI), and quality of life (QoL).

Methods Forty-five Dutch individuals with or at high risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) participated in this pilot study between April 2023 and March 2024. Total intervention duration was 50 weeks, of which 30 weeks with guidance and 20 weeks without guidance. Physical fitness (6MWT), BMI, and QoL were assessed at week 0 (T0), 30 (T1), and 50 (T2). The experience of participants and professionals (n = 17) was also inventoried. Results Linear mixed models on all 45 participants indicated no significant changes over time. Participants with complete data (n = 12) indicated a significant change in EQ-VAS (β = 4.792, CI = 1.439, 8.145) over time, while 6MWT, BMI, and EQ-index did not change. Conclusion This pilot study elicited positive responses by participants and professionals. However, adherence to the intervention could not be assessed based on the questionnaire responses. A multicomponent walking intervention with lifestyle coaching could be used to optimize lifestyle interventions in T2DM, although the current study showed that individual differences, motivation, and adherence to changes should be considered.