Efficacy of Nordic walking in managing Type 2 diabetes

I came across a research abstract comparing Nordic walking with other forms of exercise in treating Type 2 diabetes.

Main point: “The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of these 2 interventions [Nordic walking vs exercise vs a control group] compared with standard information on physical activity.”

More about it:

• The study “Consisted of a 4-month intervention period followed by an 8-month follow-up, during which the participants were recommended to train on their own.”
• “There was no difference in HbA1c when comparing the intervention groups relative to the control group…after 4 months [and] after 12 months.”
• “…fat mass assessed…decreased significantly…in the NW [Nordic walking] group after 4 months…and after 12 months in both NW [Nordic walking] and EP [Exercise on Prescription: prescribed exercise program] groups.
• “No significant changes in other variables.”

Takeaway: “Four-month exercise programs at moderate intensity of either Nordic walking or Exercise on Prescription did not significantly improve HbA1c in patients with type 2 diabetes either at the end of the program or at the follow-up.”

I saw a similar conclusion in another study. The question is why they found HbA1c in the 68 participants was not affected as greatly whereas significant weight loss happened during the study.

I used ChatGPT to search the Internet and consolidate the results. Here’s the outcome:

• An exercise program can lead to significant weight loss due to the combination of increased energy expenditure and potential improvements in metabolic rate. Weight loss occurs when the energy expended exceeds the energy consumed through diet. Regular exercise can contribute to this energy imbalance by burning calories and promoting fat loss.
• However, the impact of exercise on HbA1c levels (a measure of long-term blood glucose control) can be more variable and depends on various factors, including the individual’s initial HbA1c levels, the type and intensity of exercise, and other lifestyle factors.
• While exercise generally helps improve insulin sensitivity and glucose control, it may not always result in a significant decrease in HbA1c levels for several reasons:
• Duration and intensity: The duration and intensity of exercise can influence its effects on blood glucose levels. Short-duration or low-intensity exercise may not have a substantial impact on HbA1c levels compared to longer or more intense workouts.
• Dietary factors: Weight loss achieved through exercise alone may not be sufficient to improve HbA1c levels if the individual’s diet remains unchanged. Dietary choices, particularly carbohydrate intake, can significantly affect blood glucose levels and HbA1c.
• Individual response: People respond differently to exercise and can have varying degrees of improvement in glucose control. Factors such as genetics, underlying medical conditions, and medication use can influence individual responses.
• Timeframe: The timeframe in which HbA1c levels are measured also plays a role. HbA1c reflects average blood glucose levels over the previous two to three months. If the exercise program is relatively new, it may not have had enough time to produce a significant impact on HbA1c levels.
• It’s important to note that while exercise is beneficial for overall health and can contribute to weight loss, managing HbA1c levels requires a comprehensive approach that includes dietary modifications, medication management (if applicable), and regular monitoring under the guidance of a healthcare professional. If you have concerns about your HbA1c levels, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.

The last bullet, that it may take longer to see results because HbA1c is an average across three months makes sense if there wasn’t a corresponding change in diet.

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