Long-term impact of Diabetes Prevention Program interventions on walking endurance
2024

Long-term Effects of Diabetes Prevention Program on Walking Endurance

Sample size: 1830 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Munshi Medha N., Venditti Elizabeth M., Tjaden Ashley H., Knowler William C., Boyko Edward J., Middelbeek Roeland J. W., Luchsinger José A., Lee Christine G., Hazuda Helen P., Salive Marcel E., Edelstein Sharon L., Storer Thomas W.

Primary Institution: Joslin Diabetes Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School

Hypothesis

What are the long-term effects of metformin or intensive lifestyle intervention on walking endurance in adults at high risk of type 2 diabetes?

Conclusion

The study found no sustained effect of the original interventions on walking endurance, but highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for better physical ability.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study analyzed data from 1830 participants who completed the 6-minute walk test.
  • Age, education, grip strength, and physical activity were significantly associated with walking endurance.
  • Participants randomized to lifestyle intervention, metformin, or placebo showed no significant differences in walking distance.

Takeaway

This study looked at how well people could walk after being part of a diabetes prevention program for many years. It found that while the program didn't help them walk better, staying active and strong is still really important.

Methodology

Participants were randomized into three groups (lifestyle intervention, metformin, or placebo) and followed for 20 years, with walking endurance assessed using a 6-minute walk test.

Potential Biases

Potential biases include self-reported physical activity and crossover in metformin use among participants.

Limitations

The 6MWT was conducted 15 years after the intervention, and there may be survivorship bias as healthier individuals remained in the cohort.

Participant Demographics

Participants were predominantly overweight or obese adults aged 25 and older, with a significant representation of diverse ethnicities.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.8

Statistical Significance

p=0.8

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3389/fpubh.2024.1470035

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