Walking in greenspace and built environments for adults with prediabetes
Official title: Effects of Walking in Greenspace and the Built Environment in Adults with Prediabetes: A Randomized Crossover Trial
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11386681 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether walking in parks or green spaces, compared to built environments, improves blood sugar and stress measures in adults with prediabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $606,992 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL170504-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11386681 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 21 and older with prediabetes or at high risk for type 2 diabetes who are able to participate in walking sessions and complete study assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without prediabetes or with contraindications to exercise may not benefit from this specific intervention.
What this research studies
Adults with prediabetes will take part in a randomized crossover trial to compare walking in greenspace versus walking in typical urban environments. The study will measure changes in blood glucose, blood pressure, anxiety, and heart rate variability, while also examining how air pollution exposure might influence these effects. Participants will experience both environments in a controlled sequence, with careful monitoring of health markers and personal well‑being. The goal is to understand how everyday surroundings during exercise could help prevent progression to type 2 diabetes and improve overall health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If greenspace walking proves beneficial, patients could gain a simple, accessible way to help manage prediabetes and reduce diabetes risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous exploratory work suggests greenspace and walking may improve stress and autonomic function, but rigorous experimental evidence in this exact setting is still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pereira, Mark a — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Pereira, Mark a
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.