High-Intensity Interval Training Shown to Significantly Reduce HbA1c in Type 2 Diabetes Patients
London, UK – November 12, 2025, 10:14:28 GMT – A growing body of evidence confirms that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is the most effective exercise modality for lowering HbA1c levels in individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, offering a powerful non-pharmacological tool in managing the chronic condition. New research syntheses demonstrate consistently greater reductions in HbA1c with HIIT compared to moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) or no exercise at all, potentially reducing reliance on medication and improving long-term health outcomes.
Type 2 diabetes affects over 537 million adults globally as of 2021,according to the International Diabetes Federation,and that number is projected to rise to 783 million by 2045. HbA1c, a measure of average blood sugar control over the past two to three months, is a critical indicator of diabetes management. Elevated HbA1c levels increase the risk of serious complications, including cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, and nephropathy. Finding effective strategies to lower HbA1c is therefore paramount for improving the quality of life and extending the lifespan of those living with the disease.
HIIT involves short bursts of intense exercise alternated with recovery periods. A meta-analysis published in Sports Medicine in 2023, encompassing data from 23 randomized controlled trials involving over 900 participants with type 2 diabetes, revealed that HIIT reduced HbA1c by an average of 0.55% – significantly more than the 0.26% reduction observed with MICT. Researchers attribute this enhanced effect to HIIT’s ability to improve insulin sensitivity, increase glucose uptake by muscles, and promote greater improvements in overall fitness.
“The physiological response to HIIT is simply more potent,” explains Dr. Emma Stevenson, a leading endocrinologist at King’s College london. “the intense effort creates a greater demand for glucose, effectively ‘clearing’ sugar from the bloodstream and improving the body’s ability to respond to insulin.”
While HIIT offers ample benefits, it’s crucial for individuals with diabetes to consult their healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program. A tailored approach, considering individual health status and fitness levels, is essential to ensure safety and maximize effectiveness. Experts recommend starting with shorter intervals and gradually increasing intensity and duration as fitness improves. A typical HIIT protocol might involve 30-second sprints followed by 60-second recovery periods, repeated 8-12 times, performed 2-3 times per week.