Nordic walking and Type II diabetes: Ongoing research

Some results of research about Nordic walking and Type II diabetes:

• Greater improvements in weight, body mass index, waist size, overall power, and oxygen uptake (VO2) the more participants stuck with the exercise plan.
• Improved sleep quality and body mass index led to the conclusion that Nordic walking is an effective low-cost exercise activity.
• Measurable fat reduction but no measurable reduction in HbA1c, the standard metric for patients.
• However, another study noted reductions in HbA1c, body weight, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and heart rate.
• A study of women also showed reductions in HbA1c, body mass index, and weight as well as an increase in HDL (good) cholesterol and grip strength.

Overall conclusions:

• Get coaching. The commitment to meeting with your coach and the training your coach provides will help you get the most out of Nordic walking.
• Good news for PhD candidates. Because different studies showed no effect on HbA1c and also positive effect on HbA1c, research must continue.