The effects of high-intensity interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous training on glycemic control and body composition in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Physical activity is one of the cornerstones in prevention and management of T2DM, but the effects of different exercise intensities on the regulation of glycemic control still remain unclear. Therefore, this RCT evaluates if high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can be as clinically effective as moderate intensity continuous training (MICT), matched for energy expenditure, on glycemic control and body composition in T2DM patients.

Twenty-four T2DM patients participated in a 24-week bicycle endurance training program. Three supervised exercise sessions per week were performed consisting of either 35 min cycling at 70-80% peak heart rate (MICT) or six to eight 1 min intervals at 90-100% of peak workload interspersed by 4 min at 70% peak heart rate (HIIT). Glycemic control and variables of body composition were evaluated at baseline, after 12 and after 24 weeks of intervention.

The results show that HIIT and MICT did not differ on parameters of insulin sensitivity and glycemic control in well controlled T2DM patients after 24 weeks of intervention. Although subtotal fat mass and subtotal total mass, reduced more with MICT.