The use of pedometers improves glucose tolerance in patients during a one year trial.

The use of pedometers in a randomized, controlled trial of individuals with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) demonstrated that this pragmatic approach to promoting walking improves outcomes. UK investigators divided subjects with impaired IGT but normal fasting blood sugars into three groups: Two groups received structured education on the benefits of physical activity, but only one group was given pedometers; the control group received only information booklets about IGT. After one year the pedometer group walked the most and experienced the greatest improvement in glucose tolerance, while the controls actually walked less and saw no improvements.