Pedometer'helps to cut risk ofdiabetes'

USING a pedometer as part of an education programme could reduce the chances of Type 2 diabetes by more than half in those at risk of developing the condition, a study has revealed.

Ninety eight people with prediabetes – a precursor to Type 2 diabetes where sufferers have raised blood glucose levels – took part in the study to assess the effectiveness of an education programme and to see whether using a pedometer helps people to sustain increased physical activity.

An education programme which offers an education session about prediabetes and the role of a healthy lifestyle in preventing Type 2 diabetes was used.

For the study, a control group was given only a brief information leaflet, another group took part in the education session and another was given both the education session and a pedometer.

Blood glucose levels, which were tested after participants ingested a standardised amount of sugar, were reduced by 15 per cent in the pedometer group after a year when compared to the control group.

Dr Iain Frame, research director at health charity Diabetes UK, which funded the research, said last night: “This study shows that we can and must take action to prevent Type 2 diabetes, particularly if the benefits can be shown in a larger number of people and over a sustained period of time.”