New study aims to increase physical activity in people with pre-diabetes

[Editor’s note: this study has achieved the required number of participants. Thank you for your interest and support]

A new research study at the University of Manitoba is exploring interventions designed to help people with pre-diabetes increase—and sustain—their levels of physical activity.

Six million Canadians are at risk for Type 2 diabetes. According to researchers, without lifestyle changes, one third of these people will develop Type 2 diabetes within three-to-five years.

Although engaging in regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes, increasing physical activity can be challenging, and requires ongoing self-management.

“Adopting a physically active lifestyle can be a challenge for anyone, but being at-risk for a chronic disease can lead to thoughts, emotions and physical challenges that can make it even harder to make the change to an active lifestyle,” said Dr. Shaelyn Strachan, an associate professor of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management and primary investigator of the study.

This study seeks to increase our understanding of what combination of behaviour change skills and health information will best help people with pre-diabetes make sustainable changes to their physical activity.

The study is currently seeking participants. You may be eligible if you all/some of the following:

• Between 40 and 70 years of age
• Physically inactive
• A family history of Type 2 diabetes
• Overweight

And if you:

• Are safely able to engage in physical activity
• Not currently being treated for Type 2 diabetes

The research study will take place over 12 weeks.

Participation will involve:

• One one-on-one virtual session with a research assistant where you will learn about your risk for Type-2 diabetes
• Five weekly virtual group education sessions (60-90 minutes in duration) where you will learn strategies to help you increase your physical activity (e.g., goal-setting, coping with barriers, learning to enjoy exercise). You may also learn about other health topics
• Completion of online questionnaires about your physical activity, as well as your thoughts and feelings.
• Wear a small device that measures your physical activity for eight days at the start and end of the education session and again six and 12 weeks later.
• A modest honourarium

Garrick Kozier