Effects of high-intensity interval training on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) which is characterized by pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction, peripheral insulin resistance, or both, is one of the most relevant cardiovascular risk factors worldwide. Its most prevalent and studied form is type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), a chronic multifunctional condition linked to physical inactivity and lifestyle. The purpose of this narrative review is to explore the implications of high intensity interval training on different hemodynamic, biochemical and anthropometric parameters of DM2 patients. Findings yielded that high-intensity interval training is a safe and recommended training method to improve functional capacity and certain parameters such as body weight and body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), VO2 maximum (peak) and Hb1Ac, compared to moderate and low intensity training, and passive controls. Moreover, the benefits of physical exercise are independent of weight loss and there is no nutritional protocol or drug to replace them.