Date
2-28-2025
Department
School of Nursing
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Chair
Vickie Moore
Keywords
prediabetes, self-efficacy, exercise, GLP-1 RA
Disciplines
Nursing
Recommended Citation
Alston, Tamara, "Implementing an Exercise Program in Prediabetic Patients on GLP-1 RAs to Increase Self-Efficacy and Decrease HgbA1c, BMI, and Weight" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 6529.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/6529
Abstract
Obesity is a significant factor in the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes mellitus. Obesity is a condition of excess adipose tissue caused by an imbalance between the calories a person takes in, the absorption of those calories, and energy expenditure or how many of those calories a person burns. In 2022, the total cost of care for people with diabetes was $413 billion. Evidence indicates increased physical activity is directly associated with weight loss and decreased waist circumference. The literature supports that 150 minutes of weekly exercise can reduce HgbA1c, weight, and body mass index. Additionally, improved self-efficacy can encourage patient participation in managing their health long-term. In light of these statistics, primary care providers should be proactive in treating patients with obesity with medications and lifestyle interventions. The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to implement an exercise program as an adjunctive therapy to glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide) therapy to improve outcomes and self-efficacy for patients with obesity and prediabetes. This EBP project was implemented in a private outpatient family practice that offers a weight loss program. There were 9 participants in the study. This DNP scholarly project has practical and clinical significance for patients who are in danger of becoming diabetic and are also overweight. Without intervention, those patients will likely progress to type 2 diabetes and experience other chronic health problems. The study results showed that the participants who added the intervention of walking 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 12 weeks increased their self-efficacy and reduced their HgbA1c, body mass index, and weight.
