Objective: The PREPARE programme study is a randomized controlled trial which aims to determine whether structured education can be used to increase physical activity and improve glucose tolerance in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). This paper outlines the rationale, design and baseline data from the PREPARE programme study.
Methods: Individuals with IGT were recruited from ongoing diabetes screening programmes. Outcomes included an oral glucose tolerance test, physical activity (piezoelectric pedometer) and psychological determinants.
Results: 103 individuals (male n = 65; female n = 38) were recruited, 28% of whom were from a South Asian ethnic background. At baseline the participants' mean age and BMI were 64 +/- 9 years and 29.4 +/- 4.5 kg/m2 respectively. Steps per day were associated with 2-h glucose (p = -0.22, p = 0.03), fasting glucose (p = 0.22, p = 0.04), HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.23, p = 0.02), triglycerides (p = -0.22, p = 0.03) and body fat percentage (p = -0.26, p = 0.01). Mean self-efficacy scores were significantly (p < 0.01) higher for walking than for any other form of exercise. Participants reported high levels of concern about their IGT status but were confident that exercise would help treat/control IGT.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates the importance of developing effective physical activity and self-management programmes for individuals with IGT.
Practice implications: This study provides a detailed framework for the promotion of physical activity in a population identified with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes which, if successful, could feasibly be implemented in a primary health care or community setting.