A comparative study regarding effects of regular evening versus morning walk on biochemical and stress profile in newly diagnosed diabetic patients

Background: Lifestyle modification with exercises such as brisk walking and stress management programs are known useful approaches in the treatment of diabetic individuals. Aims: This study aims to compare effects of regular evening versus morning walk on biochemical and stress profile in newly diagnosed diabetic patients in a population of eastern India. Materials and Methods: This pilot study was conducted in a time span of 1 year after taking institutional ethical clearance and informed consent of the individuals. Two hundred newly diagnosed diabetes patients were included. One hundred individuals were advised to walk in the morning. One hundred individuals were advised to walk in the evening. Initial laboratory values (Fasting and PP sugar, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile) and anthropometric measurements (height, weight, body mass index [BMI], waist/hip ratio) were recorded. Life event stress and perceived stress of the individuals were measured by using presumptive life event stress scale and perceived stress scale, respectively. All the parameters were reassessed 3 months after practising the walking regimen. Results: There were significant changes in both groups before and after the walking regimen, in fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood sugar, HbA1c, serum cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein level, and perceived stress scores. No significant change in both groups was observed before and after the walking regimen, in BMI, waist/hip ratio, serum HDL, and presumptive stress score. There was no significant difference in mean values of different parameters, between the two groups before and after the walking regimen. Conclusions: Walking in the morning and evening may be considered to be equally effective in respect of glycemic control, lipid metabolism, and stress management of diabetic individuals.