Comparative Effects of Exercise and Metformin on Glycemic Control in Prediabetic Adults: A Community-Based, Open-Label, Randomized Trial in a Low-Resource Setting

Launched by ASAD ULLAH JAN · Jul 2, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how well two different approaches—regular exercise and a medication called metformin—work to control blood sugar levels in adults with prediabetes. Prediabetes means your blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to be diabetes yet. The study will take place in a community setting in Pakistan and will last for 12 weeks. Participants will be split into two groups: one group will do moderate exercise regularly, while the other group will take metformin. The researchers will measure blood sugar levels before and after the 12 weeks to see which method helps control blood sugar better and is more practical in everyday life.

Adults between 30 and 59 years old with prediabetes and a body weight in a healthy or slightly overweight range may be eligible to join. To participate, people need to have stable blood sugar levels and be willing to either exercise or take the medication as assigned. Those with diabetes, serious health problems, or conditions that prevent exercise won’t be able to join. If you take part, you can expect to attend regular check-ups during the study and follow the assigned plan for three months. This study aims to find an effective and doable way to help people with prediabetes in communities with limited resources.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults aged 30 to 59 years Diagnosed with prediabetes based on ADA criteria (FPG: 100-125 mg/dL or HbA1c: 5.7-6.4%) Stable HbA1c levels (no significant fluctuation in the last 3 months) Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 30 kg/m² Willing and able to provide written informed consent Willing to participate in the assigned intervention (exercise or metformin) for 12 weeks Residing within the community and able to attend scheduled follow-ups
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Age 60 years or older Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) or use of anti-diabetic medications Family history of diabetes in first-degree relatives (parent or sibling) Known cardiovascular, renal, or hepatic disease Pregnancy or lactation Physical disability or limitation that would interfere with performing moderate-intensity exercise Uncontrolled hypertension (SBP ≥ 160 mmHg or DBP ≥ 100 mmHg) Known allergy or contraindication to metformin Alcohol or substance abuse