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Study aims to increase physical activity in people with pre-diabetes

July 9, 2021 — 

A University of Manitoba research team is seeking participants for a study exploring interventions designed to help people with pre-diabetes to 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.

The study is currently seeking participants to participate in an online educational intervention designed to help people increase their physical activity. You may be eligible if you:

  • Are not currently physically active
  • Are safely able to engage in physical activity
  • Live in Winnipeg or surrounding areas
  • Between 40 and 74 years of age
  • Not currently diagnosed with or on medication for diabetes

In addition, you may be eligible if you have all/some of the following:

  • A family history of Type 2 diabetes
  • Overweight

Participation will involve:

  • One one-on-one virtual session with a research assistant where you will learn about your risk for Type-2 diabetes and discuss your physical activity
  • Seven weekly virtual group education sessions (2 hours 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 at the start and end of the education sessions and again six and 12 weeks later.
  • Wear a small device that measures your physical activity for eight days at the start and end of the education sessions and again six and 12 weeks later.
  • A modest honourarium

To get involved, or to learn more, contact papsych2 [at] umanitoba [dot] ca or 204-474-6363

“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.

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