Introduction: Purpose: Diabetes in India has reached epidemic proportions, with South Asians exhibiting higher incidence at a younger age and lower BMI and waist circumference. Prediabetes is an intermediate state that may progress to diabetes if untreated. This study aimed to estimate the incidence of altered glucose tolerance in sedentary overweight adults and evaluate changes in glucose tolerance following one week of moderate-intensity exercise in individuals with prediabetes. Methodology: Capillary fasting blood glucose was measured in sedentary overweight adults (n=104, age 18–60 years) using a standardized glucometer. Participants with prediabetic values (100–125 mg/dL) underwent postprandial testing. Those with postprandial levels of 140–199 mg/dL were selected for a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), with measurements taken every 30 minutes for 2 hours. Individuals meeting prediabetic criteria were followed up. Participants performed brisk walking (moderate intensity, ~3–3.5 mph) for 30 minutes daily for 7 consecutive days, monitored using a pedometer application. OGTT was repeated post-intervention Results: Pre-diabetes was present in 27% of participants. Among these, 10 individuals showed elevated postprandial glucose levels. Mean fasting and postprandial glucose levels were 125.5±16.1 and 159.5±19.4 mg/dL, respectively. After one week of exercise, 2-hour OGTT glucose levels decreased significantly from pre-exercise levels (140.1±16.1 to 123.5±13.5 mg/dL; p=0.01). The results demonstrated a 9.6% reduction in glucose levels during the OGTT (p<0.05). Normal OGTT responses were observed in 80% of these participants after moderate exercise. Conclusion:

Prediabetes is a modifiable metabolic state that can be effectively managed through appropriate lifestyle and dietary interventions, thereby reducing the risk of progression to diabetes mellitus, particularly at a younger age. The present study demonstrated that even a short duration of moderate-intensity exercise resulted in significant improvement in glucose tolerance among sedentary overweight adults, highlighting its potential as an effective strategy for early diabetes prevention.