Exercise for Type 2 Diabetes
Exercise is vital for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes due to its ability to regulate blood sugar levels with minimal unwanted side effects. In addition, exercise prevents and/or delays the development of cardiovascular disease and other comorbidities associated with type 2 diabetes.
Despite having this knowledge, less than 40% of people with type 2 diabetes report meeting the physical activity guidelines, with perceived lack of time being the most commonly reported barrier. High-intensity interval training has gained traction in recent years as being a viable solution to this barrier as it can produce similar health benefits in less time.
The benefits of high-intensity interval training compared to the current exercise recommendations of 210 minutes per week of moderate intensity training has not been previously investigated. We are investigating the effects of each intervention on a multitude of health outcomes including blood sugar control, cardiovascular health, body composition, fitness and strength after 8-weeks of supervised training. We will then determine whether these benefits can be maintained with 10-months of unsupervised, home-based training. The findings from this study will potentially lead to improving the management of type 2 diabetes and help refine current exercise guidelines.