Authors (including presenting author) :
Kwan YF(1), Lam PL(1), Kong CHB(1), Kwong SK(2), Fung SL(2), Chan CP(2), Wang HL(2), Yeung KK(2)
Affiliation :
(1)Physiotherapy Department, Queen Mary Hospital, (2)Department of Family Medicine & Primary Healthcare(HKWC)
Introduction :
Physical activity has been recommended as an important non-pharmacological therapeutic strategy for management of Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Combined aerobic and resistance training are proven to have clinical benefits, such as improving insulin sensitivity and reduction in glycosylated haemoglobin.
As prevention is better than cure, it is worth implementing an exercise program which can prevent development of diabetes mellitus (DM) and lessen social economic burden. In this pilot, a structured education and exercise program to pre-DM patients was conducted in Nurse and Allied Health Clinic (NAHC).
Objectives :
To enhance the blood sugar level and physical capacities through exercise regime.
Methodology :
Pre-DM patients were referred from HKWC General Out-patient Clinic. A structured 3-session program included education, tai chi and aerobic exercise was implemented in NAHC. Aerobic and resistance training on alternate day were recommended as home program. Telephone follow-up was arranged three months after completion.
To access the physical functions, 2-minute step test (2MST), 30-second arm curl test (30ACT) and 30-second chair stand test (30CST) were performed in the first and last session. Self-Efficacy for Exercise (SEE-C) Scale was chosen to measure individual’s confidence in doing exercise in community. To observe the body changes, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference (HC) were also recorded. Besides, Fasting blood glucose (FG) was retrieved in the last and next doctor’s consultation of the program. Last, Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied to compare the paired data.
Result & Outcome :
From October 2021 to September 2024, 28 participants completed the program. There were 7 male and 21 female with mean age of 63.1 years old. Statistical significant reduction in mean-FG from 6.35 to 6.04 was demonstrated (p=0.017). All physical function tests showed statistically significant enhancement (pre/post: mean-2MST 85.0/97.7, p=0.000; mean-30ACT 15.5/17.6, p=0.011; mean-30CST 13.5/15.6, p=0.007).
Maintain physically active lifestyle is a foundation of diabetes management. After completion of program, participants reported higher SEE-C score (pre/post: 48.75/55.71). Majority could sustain regular exercise in telephone follow-up.
There were no significant changes in body measurement (pre/post: BMI 25.8/25.4; WC: 89.1/87.9; HC: 97.5/97.3). This phenomenon is common especially at the beginning of training because the density of muscle mass built up is higher than that of losing fat.
In conclusion, regular exercise not only enhances physical capabilities, but also could prevent or delay T2D development.
