The use of an Energy Monitor in the management of diabetes: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND This study evaluated the use of an accelerometer-based device in helping to manage blood glucose levels (BGLs) in people with diabetes mellitus. METHODS Five people with diabetes were given a triaxial accelerometer-based device (Energy Monitor) that measured energy levels associated with activities of daily living. For 3 months, they were required to wear the device and to continue with their usual diabetes therapy. The body mass index (BMI) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)) were recorded to assess any potential improvement in blood glucose control. The relationship between BGL and measured energy level was also investigated. RESULTS Overall, there was a significant reduction of HbA(1c) from 7.48 +/- 1.21% to 6.98 +/- 1.44% (P < 0.05). There was no significant change in BMI. It was also found that higher energy levels resulted in much lower fluctuations in BGL change between meals compared to low energy levels. Moreover, the weekly mean activity score showed an increase in activity levels from the second week to the final week. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study demonstrated that the Energy Monitor could improve the management of diabetes by allowing people with diabetes to view and manage daily physical activity in addition to their usual diabetes therapy.

[1]  J. Hugot,et al.  Total Energy Expenditure and Physical Activity in Children Treated with Home Parenteral Nutrition , 2003, Pediatric Research.

[2]  K R Westerterp,et al.  Physical activity pattern of children assessed by triaxial accelerometry , 2004, European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

[3]  C. Vella,et al.  Efficacy of a pedometer-based physical activity program on parameters of diabetes control in type 2 diabetes mellitus. , 2006, Metabolism: clinical and experimental.

[4]  Sari A Acra,et al.  Predicting energy expenditure of physical activity using hip- and wrist-worn accelerometers. , 2003, Diabetes technology & therapeutics.

[5]  J M Pivarnik,et al.  Stability and convergent validity of three physical activity assessments. , 2001, Medicine and science in sports and exercise.

[6]  G. Goldfield,et al.  Open-loop feedback to increase physical activity in obese children , 2000, International Journal of Obesity.

[7]  Merryn J Mathie,et al.  Accelerometry: providing an integrated, practical method for long-term, ambulatory monitoring of human movement , 2004, Physiological measurement.

[8]  Yuzo Sato,et al.  Daily Walking Combined With Diet Therapy Is a Useful Means for Obese NIDDM Patients Not Only to Reduce Body Weight But Also to Improve Insulin Sensitivity , 1995, Diabetes Care.

[9]  Glen P. Kenny,et al.  Effects of Exercise on Glycemic Control and Body Mass in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-analysis of Controlled Clinical Trials , 2001 .

[10]  N. Ruderman,et al.  Studies on the mechanism of improved glucose control during regular exercise in Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes , 1984, Diabetologia.

[11]  B. G. Celler,et al.  Classification of basic daily movements using a triaxial accelerometer , 2004, Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing.

[12]  G. Cooney,et al.  Disassociation of muscle triglyceride content and insulin sensitivity after exercise training in patients with Type 2 diabetes , 2003, Diabetologia.

[13]  C. Tudor-Locke,et al.  Revisiting the role of physical activity and exercise in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. , 2000, Canadian journal of applied physiology = Revue canadienne de physiologie appliquee.

[14]  M. Mathie,et al.  Detection of daily physical activities using a triaxial accelerometer , 2003, Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing.

[15]  J. D. Janssen,et al.  A triaxial accelerometer and portable data processing unit for the assessment of daily physical activity , 1997, IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering.

[16]  S. Tokmakidis,et al.  The effects of a combined strength and aerobic exercise program on glucose control and insulin action in women with type 2 diabetes , 2004, European Journal of Applied Physiology.

[17]  Ashok Balasubramanyam,et al.  Accelerometer Feedback to Promote Physical Activity in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Study , 2005, Perceptual and motor skills.

[18]  J. D. Janssen,et al.  Assessment of energy expenditure for physical activity using a triaxial accelerometer. , 1994, Medicine and science in sports and exercise.

[19]  Stephen Davis,et al.  Hypoglycemia as a barrier to glycemic control. , 2004, Journal of diabetes and its complications.

[20]  R. Eston,et al.  Validity of heart rate, pedometry, and accelerometry for predicting the energy cost of children's activities. , 1998, Journal of applied physiology.

[21]  K M. Allor,et al.  Relationship Between Physical Fitness And Physical Activity In Michigan Charter School Students , 2001 .