Effects of high-intensity interval training on glycemia and the pancreatic β-cell functioning of persons with type 2 diabetes / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To explore any effect of 8 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on glycemia and pancreatic β-cell function among persons with type 2 diabetes to provide data for optimizing their exercise protocol.Methods:Sixty patients with type 2 diabetes and without a habit of regular exercise were randomly divided into an exercise group ( n=30) and a control group ( n=30). Both groups maintained their daily living habits, except that the exercise group practiced HIIT on a power vehicle ergometer 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Before and after the intervention, the 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was conducted to evaluate glycemia and pancreatic β-cell function. Body composition was also detected using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results:After the intervention a significant decrease was observed in the fasting blood glucose, mean blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, blood glucose levels at the end of a 2h OGTT, blood glucose area under the curve and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, as well as waist circumference and abdominal fat content of the exercise group. And there was a significant increase in the homeostatic model assessment of pancreatic β-cell function and disposition index among the exercise group. In the control group no significant differences were observed.Conclusion:Eight weeks of HIIT can improve glycemia and pancreatic β-cell function and reduce abdominal fat among persons with type 2 diabetes. It can be used as an effective rehabilitation protocol.