Aerobic resistance and HIIT Improve Metabolic and Functional Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes: Study

Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Published On 2026-02-23 03:30 GMT | Update On 2026-02-23 06:02 GMT

Researchers have found in a new study that a twelve-week program of combined aerobic and resistance training as well as high-intensity interval training led to meaningful improvements in metabolic control, physical function, and quality of life in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus when compared with standard care.

High-intensity interval training was more effective in reducing fasting glucose levels and increasing muscle mass, whereas combined aerobic and resistance training showed greater benefits for lowering glycosylated hemoglobin, reducing body fat, and improving overall quality of life.

Exercise training is a cornerstone in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, direct comparisons between combined aerobic and resistance training and high-intensity interval training across both clinical outcomes and patient-reported measures remain limited. A study was conducted to compare the effects of combined aerobic and resistance training and high-intensity interval training on insulin resistance, glycaemic control, body composition, physical function, and quality of life in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, relative to standard care.

This single-centre, randomised controlled trial included ninety adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged between thirty and sixty-five years, who were assigned to a combined aerobic and resistance training group, a high-intensity interval training group, or a control group. The combined aerobic and resistance training program consisted of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and resistance exercises, while the high-intensity interval training program involved structured interval-based sessions. Both exercise interventions were delivered three to five times per week for twelve weeks. The control group received usual care without a structured exercise program.

Primary outcomes included fasting insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, and insulin resistance. Secondary outcomes included fasting glucose, six-minute walk distance, subcutaneous fat, visceral fat, muscle mass, and quality of life assessed across multiple domains. Compared with standard care, both exercise interventions improved fasting glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and fasting insulin levels. Improvements in insulin resistance were more pronounced in the combined aerobic and resistance training group. Functional capacity, as measured by walking distance, increased in both exercise groups. Body composition changes were favourable in both interventions, with increases in fat-free mass and reductions in subcutaneous and visceral fat. Quality of life improved across physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains in participants who completed either exercise program.

Overall, both high-intensity interval training and combined aerobic and resistance training significantly improved metabolic, functional, and psychosocial outcomes compared with standard care. High-intensity interval training produced greater improvements in fasting glucose and muscle mass, while combined aerobic and resistance training led to broader benefits in glycaemic control, fat reduction, and quality of life. These findings support tailoring exercise prescriptions to individual therapeutic goals and highlight the complementary roles of both training approaches in routine diabetes care.

Reference:

Amaravadi, S. K., de Sá Ferreira, A., & dos Santos Vigário, P. (2025). Comparative effects of combined aerobic and resistance training versus high-intensity interval training on insulin resistance, glycaemic control, body composition and quality of life in type 2 diabetes: A 12-week randomised controlled trial. PLOS ONE, 20(12), e0336898. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0336898

Article Source : PLOS One

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Dr. Shravani Dali

Dr. Shravani Dali has completed her BDS from Pravara institute of medical sciences, loni. Following which she extensively worked in the healthcare sector for 2+ years. She has been actively involved in writing blogs in field of health and wellness. Currently she is pursuing her Masters of public health-health administration from Tata institute of social sciences. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.

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Aerobic resistance and HIIT Improve Metabolic and Functional Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes: Study

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