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By Alia Youssef from Noun Project

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

January 22, 2021 — 

A research team at the University of Manitoba is currently seeking participants for a study exploring interventions designed to help people with pre-diabetes to both 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 to participate in an educational intervention designed to help people increase their physical activity. You may be eligible if you have all/some of the following:

  • Live in Winnipeg
  • Between 40 and 74 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 diagnosed with or on medication for diabetes

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 (1.5 to 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.
  • 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

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

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17 comments on “Study aims to increase physical activity in people with pre-diabetes

  1. Janet McGee

    I am 66. I was told I am pre diabetic in 2016, and each year since. Sadly I am over weight, my mother was diabetic – went blind and lost her foot and died in 2000. With covid and other stressors (a very ill husband)it has been hard to exercise and not gain weight. I am not on any diabetic medications. I can exercise, although have to be careful due to sore back, planters facitis, and arthritic knees at times. I do try to live healthy.

  2. Colin Magee

    Hello, my name is Colin and I live in Saskatchewan and have been told I am pre diabetic. I am interested in this study.

    1. Garrick Kozier - Author

      Hi Colin — Due to logistics, only people residing from Winnipeg are eligible for this study. Thanks for your interest!

  3. Heather Hartry

    I am 69, overweight and have been told I am pre-diabetic. My mother and brother had both been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I would be interested in participating.

  4. Jennifer Mcdougall

    I’m 57 yr old female who tries to live healthy. I et, sleep, read books. Walk the dog. Have prediabeties since 2017. Life got in the way and exercise decreased. I’d like to participate

    1. Garrick Kozier - Author

      Hi Manuela — thanks for your interest! The study has currently reached its participant cap. If anything changes, we’ll have the research team contact you.

Comments have been closed.

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