Study explores lasting benefits of HIIT for diabetes management after exercise cessation

A recent study in eBioMedicine examined the lasting effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on metabolic health in individuals with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D) after a period of no exercise. Researchers found that while some benefits persisted, others diminished after four weeks of detraining. Participants who completed a 12-week HIIT program showed improvements in various metabolic markers. After detraining, individuals with T2D maintained some benefits, such as lower fasting blood glucose levels, while insulin-sensitive individuals experienced a decline in cardiorespiratory fitness. The study highlighted that mitochondrial function and certain metabolic improvements were sustained in insulin-resistant individuals, despite a reduction in overall oxidative metabolism. The findings suggest that HIIT may have lasting effects on metabolic health, but these benefits can vary based on diabetes status and exercise cessation.