HIIE Protocols Promote Better Acute Effects on Blood Glucose and Pressure Control in People with Type 2 Diabetes than Continuous Exercise

Abstract

This study compared the acute effects of a session of different high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) protocols and a session of moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) on blood glucose, blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR) in people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2). The trial included 44 participants (age: 55.91 ± 1.25 years; BMI: 28.95 ± 0.67 kg/m2; Hb1Ac: 9.1 ± 2.3%; 76 mmol/mol) randomized into three exercise protocols based on the velocity at which maximum oxygen consumption was obtained (vVO2 max): long HIIE (2 min at 100% vV̇o2peak + 2 min of passive rest); short HIIE (30 s at 100% vV̇o2peak + 30 s of passive rest); or MICE (14 min at 70% vV̇o2peak) on a treadmill. Capillary blood glucose, BP, and HR measurements were taken at rest, during peak exercise, immediately after the end of exercise, and 10 min after exercise. Long and short HIIE protocols reduced capillary blood glucose by 32.14 mg/dL and 31.40 mg/dL, respectively, and reduced systolic BP by 12.43 mmHg and 8.73 mmHg, respectively. No significant changes were observed for MICE. HIIE was found to promote more acute effects than MICE on glycemia and BP in people with DM2.

Endurance Exercise Prevented Diabetic Cardiomyopathy through the Inhibition of Fibrosis and Hypertrophy in Rats

“…As in previous similar experimental and clinical investigations, FBS levels in diabetic rats were significantly reduced following exercise training, although this reduction was more pronounced in the Met-HIIT group [ 23 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ]. However, another study indicated the beneficial effect of MICT in lowering blood sugar in diabetic rats [ 13 ].…”

Comment on Teles et al. HIIE Protocols Promote Better Acute Effects on Blood Glucose and Pressure Control in People with Type 2 Diabetes than Continuous Exercise. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 2601

“…In the discussion section, the authors cited the Santiago et al ( 2017) study, which demonstrated reductions in BP and blood glucose after continuous and interval exercise [6]. However, the Santiago study did not cite or analyze glycolytic and oxidative enzymes, as mentioned in the present article: "In addition, there was an increase in the activity of glycolytic and oxidative enzymes" [1].…”

“…After a careful appraisal, we are concerned that the article "HIIE Protocols Promote Better Acute Effects on Blood Glucose and Pressure Control in People with Type 2 Diabetes than Continuous Exercise" [1] may have some errors that warrant further review by the editor and authors, and which may impact the original article's conclusions.…”

Relationships Between Physical Activity Metrics of Intensity and Diabetes

“…2 Compared with PA performed at lower intensities, high-intensity interval exercise provides cardiovascular health benefits by improving fitness and body composition body mass index and reducing HbA 1c levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. 2,11 Physical activity metrics such as cadence and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) reflect PA intensity. 12,13 Cadence is measured in steps per minute.…”

“…The American College of Sports Medicine recommends engaging in high-intensity interval exercise regimens involving aerobic training between 65% and 90% VO 2peak or 75% and 95% heart rate peak for 10 seconds to 4 minutes with 12 seconds to 5 minutes of active or passive recovery, in addition to various PA modes, flexibility and balancing exercises, and reducing sedentary time 2 . Compared with PA performed at lower intensities, high-intensity interval exercise provides cardiovascular health benefits by improving fitness and body composition body mass index and reducing HbA 1c levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes 2,11 …”