A geriatrics walking clinic improves hemoglobin A1c and timed gait in older veterans with type 2 diabetes.

This was a clinical demonstration or quality improvement project, not a randomized controlled trial, so improvement over time cannot be separated from other factors. The intervention included several components together, including walking, pedometer use, weekly nurse calls, dietary counseling, and geriatrician review, so the effect of any single component cannot be attributed. Patients were self-referred or referred by providers and had to be willing to walk and accept weekly calls, so results may reflect motivated participants. People with medical conditions that would limit exercise safety were excluded, so findings may not apply to frailer or less healthy older adults. HbA1c was collected by chart review after the fact, and the methods describe analysis from baseline to 6 weeks while the results report HbA1c at 3, 6, and 12 months. The paper does not state the total number of patients enrolled, and the sample was described as having a predominance of male and Hispanic patients.

The supplied article text does not include a conflicts of interest or funding statement. The provided publication types indicate research support from non-U.S. government and U.S. government non-PHS sources.

Do not conclude that walking alone caused the HbA1c and gait improvements. The clinic also provided dietary counseling, pedometer training, weekly nurse calls, and geriatrician review, and it was not randomized.