Effects of Nordic Walking and Exercise on Glucose Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Physical training and exercise is considered a cornerstone in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Programs which include physical activity as a component in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes as well as other chronic diseases have in Denmark and other countries been based on "Exercise on Prescription schemes". In Denmark, these schemes have focused on individual behavioral change and an exercise program for 16 weeks. No studies have documented whether "Exercise on Prescription" helps patients with Type 2 Diabetes to change their lifestyle behavior or whether it has a positive impact on measurements for physical capacity and glucose metabolism. Nordic Walking is a fitness type of walking; incorporating the use of specially designed walking sticks. Nordic Walking focuses on aerobic training where the additional activity of the arms increases a person's oxygen uptake and energy expenditure. In Denmark, many activity programs and concepts such as Exercise on Prescription and Nordic Walking are recommended to patients with Type 2 Diabetes but their efficacy has not been demonstrated. It is unknown whether one specific type of physical training program is more suitable than another, when comparing the physical effects as well as the ability to induce good compliance and change in lifestyle. The aim of this randomized, controlled trial was to evaluate the effect of two different physical exercise programs lasting 4 months aiming at introducing long term life style changes in physical activity with a follow-up period of 8 months in patients with type 2 diabetes.