Background:

Prediabetes is common in the population and is associated with an increased risk of progression to type 2 diabetes. Evidence shows that early lifestyle changes can reduce this risk. Exercise recommendations are often given at the primary care level, but they often lack sustainability because follow-up is not consistently monitored over time. Current data indicate that continuity of care between the patient and physician after a prediabetes diagnosis may be associated with a reduction in progression to type 2 diabetes within 3 years.

Research questions:

Can a follow-up two weeks after prescribing exercise to our primary care patients with prediabetes be integrated into the routine workflow?

Method:

We plan a prospective pilot feasibility study. Adults aged 30–60 diagnosed with prediabetes during routine check-ups (HbA1c 5.7–6.4 and/or fasting blood sugar 100–125) with no contraindications to exercise will be included. Participants will be prescribed a personalized exercise plan, and a scheduled follow-up appointment will be documented in the records. In week 2, patients will be contacted by phone to assess adherence. Main barriers (time, workload, motivation, transportation, etc.) will be briefly documented. Primary outcomes are feasibility and process continuity (documentation of the exercise plan and its update at the 2-week check). Secondary outcomes are changes in physical activity (steps and/or weekly exercise minutes). A sample size calculation will be performed using G*Power.

Results:

Not yet available (research proposal).

Conclusions:


Our brief exercise prescription and 2-week follow-up may offer a pragmatic approach to establishing a continuity cycle for prediabetes lifestyle management. Findings will inform workflow suitability and scalability and guide longer-term evaluation.

Points for discussion:

How can patient participation in this program be maintained?

In family medicine, what situations (time/workload, motivation, access) can create obstacles for this program? How or what actions should be taken to overcome these obstacles?