To evaluate the effects of aerobic, resistance, and HIIT training on insulin resistance, haemoglobin A1c, blood pressure, quality of life, and body composition values among patients with type-2 diabetes.
This randomized controlled trial included 90 patients with T2DM, aged 30-65 years. Participants were assigned to three groups: aerobic and resistance exercise group (n=30), HIIT group (n=30), and a control group (n=30). The exercise intervention was carried out three times a week for 12 weeks. Primary outcomes were changes in insulin resistance, HbA1c, blood pressure, and quality of life. Secondary outcomes included body composition and physical activity levels. Data analysis was conducted using ANCOVA and post-hoc tests to evaluate the statistical significance of changes across groups.
Both aerobic and resistance training, as well as HIIT, resulted in significant improvements in insulin resistance compared to the control group. The mean reduction in the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) score was greater in the HIIT group (-0.03 percentage points, 95% CI: 1.906–4.001, p0.001) compared to the aerobic and resistance group (-0.04 percentage points, 95% CI: 2.977–5.072, p=0.166). Significant reductions in fasting blood sugar (FBS) and post-prandial blood sugar (PPBS) levels were observed in the HIIT group, while HbA1c levels were significantly reduced in the aerobic and resistance group.
The systolic and diastolic blood pressure of participants in the aerobic and resistance group also showed notable improvements compared to the control group, with a decrease in systolic blood pressure of -0.07 percentage points (p=0.35) and an increase in diastolic pressure of 0.06 percentage points (p0.001). Furthermore, both exercise groups experienced enhanced functional capacity, with significant increases in the six-minute walk distance (6MWD) in the aerobic and resistance group (+197.7 m, p0.001) and the HIIT group (+113.3 m, p0.001). Quality of life, as measured by the WHOQOL-BREF, showed significant improvements in both exercise groups, with greater benefits observed in the aerobic and resistance group across all domains of the questionnaire.
Aerobic, resistance, and HIIT exercises improved glycemic control, insulin resistance, blood pressure, and quality of life in T2DM patients. Aerobic and resistance training led to superior improvements in quality of life and functional capacity compared to HIIT. Conversely, HIIT had a greater impact on reducing insulin resistance and blood sugar levels. Therefore, individualized exercise programs combining both aerobic and resistance or HIIT may provide comprehensive benefits for managing T2DM. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are recommended to explore these effects in greater detail.
The study will offer evidence on the effectiveness of aerobic, resistance, and HIIT exercise programs in managing insulin resistance and improving the quality of life for type 2 diabetes patients.
Insulin resistance
High intensity interval training
