Effects of brisk walking on fasting blood glucose and blood pressure in diabetic patients

Background: Aerobic exercises have been administered as an adjunct treatment for health conditions; however, the effects of brisk walking on Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients living with hypertension in Ghana are yet to be explored.Aim: To determine the effects of brisk walking on fasting blood glucose and blood pressure of patients with T2DM living with hypertension in Ghana.Setting: The National Diabetes Management and Research centre at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.Methods: Males and females above 18 years with T2DM and hypertension were included. Fasting blood glucose, anthropometric measurements and distance walked were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention. The intervention consisted of brisk walking three times a week for 8 weeks.Results: Sixty participants completed the intervention. There was a statistically significant reduction of fasting blood glucose (baseline: 8.79 mmol/L (3.55), after intervention: 7.62 mmol/L (2.73) with p = 0.02) and blood pressure levels: (systolic blood pressure baseline: 141.12 mmHg (2.91) after intervention 120.75 mmHg (1.21) with p = 0.00); diastolic blood pressure (baseline: 80.78 mmHg (1.66), after intervention mmHg 69.38 (1.05) with p = 0.00) between baseline and post-intervention.Conclusion: Eight weeks of brisk walking reduced the levels of fasting blood glucose and blood pressure in patients with T2DM and hypertension.Contribution: This study will enlighten healthcare workers about the integration of brisk walking as a possible adjunct to control blood glucose and blood pressure levels in patients with T2DM and hypertension.