Walking Environments for Prediabetes
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine whether walking in nature (Green Walk) or in urban settings (Gray Walk) more effectively reduces stress and anxiety in people with prediabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet diabetes. Participants will walk for 150 minutes each week in both environments over different six-week periods. Individuals diagnosed with prediabetes in the past year, who are not very active, and have stable weight might be suitable for this study. As an unphased trial, the study offers a unique opportunity to explore personal health benefits from different walking environments.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it does exclude people who have changed medications affecting study outcomes in the last 3 months or plan to change them. If you are on medications for lipids, blood pressure, anxiety, or depression, they will be tracked closely.
What prior data suggests that these walking environments are safe for people with prediabetes?
Research has shown that walking in natural (green) or urban (gray) areas is generally safe for people with prediabetes. Studies have found that walking in these environments provides both mental and physical benefits without major negative effects, indicating it is well-tolerated.
Walking in nature can reduce stress and improve mood, which benefits overall health and usually doesn't cause any problems. Similarly, walking in urban areas offers advantages. The city environment can encourage physical activity, which is important for managing prediabetes.
In summary, evidence supports that walking, whether in nature or city settings, is a safe and effective way to improve health for those with prediabetes.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Walking Environments for Prediabetes trial because it compares the impact of walking in nature-based environments to walking in commercial, built environments on prediabetes. Unlike traditional treatments for prediabetes that focus on medication and dietary changes, this trial explores how the setting of physical activity might influence health outcomes. The unique aspect here is the focus on the environment as a potential factor in managing prediabetes, which could open up new, accessible, and natural ways to improve health. The trial aims to uncover whether the calming effects of nature might enhance the benefits of exercise beyond what's achieved in urban settings.
What evidence suggests that this trial's walking environments could be effective for prediabetes?
Research shows that walking can greatly improve health for people with prediabetes. Studies have found that regular walking, especially brisk walking for at least 150 minutes a week, can lower the risk of developing diabetes by 58% over a few years. This trial will compare two walking environments: nature-based walking and built-environment/commercial walking. Walking in nature, such as parks or forests, can lift mood and reduce stress and anxiety more than walking in city areas. Participants who have walked regularly have seen lower blood sugar levels and a decrease in their HbA1c, a measure of blood sugar control, by an average of 0.50%. Overall, walking anywhere can be a simple and effective way to manage prediabetes and improve overall well-being.13678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Mark Pereira, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Minnesota
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Adults aged 25-64 with prediabetes, classified as overweight or obese (BMI 20.0-39.9), who exercise less than 100 minutes per week and have stable weight for the last three months can join this trial. They must not be pregnant or breastfeeding, willing to keep their diet and exercise habits except for study requirements, own a smartphone, and pass a health questionnaire.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Baseline measurements of anxiety, mood, heart rate variability, and other biomarkers are taken
Treatment
Participants engage in walking sessions in both Green and Gray environments in a randomized crossover design
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in anxiety, mood, heart rate variability, and other biomarkers
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Gray Walk
- Green Walk
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Minnesota
Lead Sponsor
Northwestern University
Collaborator