In February 2018 researchers from Nigeria published the results of their study to assess the effect of walking 10,000 steps per day on the glycaemic control of individuals with diabetes type 2. A total of 46 adults were divided into two groups, with one group being asked to walk 10,000 steps per day for 10 weeks, and the other half following their normal activity habits. The daily step count was measured with waist-mounted pedometer and at the start of the study the daily step count averaged 4,505 steps per day. Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and cardiovascular assessments were also made. Results showed that for the last 4-weeks of the study the step count for all individuals increased by approximately 2,913 steps per day, although it was noted that only 6% of the individuals managed to achieve the goal of 10,000 steps per day. However, a further analysis revealed that the HbA1c levels were lower at the end of the study when compared to the level at the start. There was no change in the cardiovascular assessment.
Fayehun AF et al. Walking prescription of 10 000 steps per day in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomised trial in Nigerian general practice. Br J Gen Pract. 2018 Feb;68(667):e139-e145