Acute Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review

This study evaluated the scientific evidence on the acute effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on biochemical, cardiovascular, and metabolic parameters in patients with diabetes mellitus. The research took place using two databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) with eligible studies conducted between 2010 and 2020, using the following keywords: (1) high-intensity training/exercise; (2) interval training/exercise; (3) HIIT/exercise; AND “diabetes”. Data extraction was then performed on the eligible studies through content analysis using the categories: author and year of publication; sample characteristics; methods and data collected; intervention protocol; and results found. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Fourteen studies were included, evaluating 168 people with diabetes (122/46 type 2/1) and 42 normoglycemic individuals, which evaluated markers such as capillary and fasting blood glucose, 24-h blood glucose profile, postprandial blood glucose, incidence, and prevalence of hyperglycemia, vascular function and pressure response and control of inflammatory markers. Physical exercise was found to have several acute beneficial effects on the health of the diabetic population, such as reduced capillary and postprandial blood glucose, blood glucose profile, and blood pressure. Moreover, HIIT seems to be a safe and effective alternative in glycemic control and associated factors, superior to continuous moderate-intensity training.