Can High-Intensity Interval Training Help With Postprandial Blood Sugar Control & Is It Safe?

Physical activity is considered one of the most important tools for promoting health in diabetes patients. From improving their cardiovascular health to boosting their psychological well-being, exercising offers a wide range of health benefits. However, due to the lack of time, many people with diabetes are not able to exercise as much as they should. This is where high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can help them out. 

High-intensity interval training is a form of exercise that alternates short periods of intense exercise with short periods of passive or activity resting. It generally involves exercises like running, cycling, squats, lunges, push-ups, etc., and is known to improve glycaemic control and cardiorespiratory fitness in people with type 2 diabetes. 

However, does HIIT also help regulate postprandial blood sugar levels? Let’s find out.  

Does High-Intensity Interval Training Benefit Postprandial Blood Sugar?

Many studies have suggested that HIIT helps to control glycemic response in the postprandial period. The psychological mechanism responsible for this effect is still not clear. However, it is speculated that HIIT increases insulin sensitivity in the skeletal muscle, which leads to lower postprandial blood sugar levels. 

Is High-Intensity Interval Training Safe?

As vigorous exercises have been linked to the risk of acute cardiovascular problems, there is a growing concern regarding the safety of implementing HIIT in people with diabetes. 

Although there is no evidence suggesting that high-intensity interval training is equivalent to vigorous exercise, doctors still promote taking precautions for diabetes patients. 

It is, therefore, recommended to consult your healthcare team and screen your health before starting HIIT. 

How To Get Started With HIIT?

In high-intensity interval training, you are supposed to tire your body during each burst of activity and then take a short rest period. As a beginner, aim for a 30 seconds bout of activity and then take a 90 seconds rest. 

While resting, try to keep moving but not intensely. For example, if you have been running, ease down to a walk during your rest period. 

You should always start HIIT at a gradual pace and then increase your intensity with each new exercise session. Typically, an exercise session lasts for 10 to 20 minutes. However, when you are starting off, practice only as much as you can and allow your body to get accustomed. 

On a Final Note

A high-intensity interval training can be proven highly beneficial for improving glycemic control and postprandial blood glucose levels in diabetes patients. However, you must consult your doctor before starting HIIT. 

References

• https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/12/7049/pdf
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4334091/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3587394/
• https://www.diabetesresearchclinicalpractice.com/article/S0168-8227(22)00627-1/fulltext
• https://www.diabetes.co.uk/high-intensity-interval-training.html
• https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/japplphysiol.00921.2011