The Effect of High-Intensity Short-Duration Exercise Versus Moderate-Intensity High-Volume Exercise on Glucose Control as Measured by Continuous Glucose Monitoring

Summary

This study will be conducted as a prospective, randomized crossover trial evaluating non-diabetic and pre-diabetic adults ($n=12$) continuously monitored with Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitors over an 11-day period. Participants will complete two distinct exercise protocols in a randomized sequence: five consecutive days of Zone 2 aerobic exercise and a single session of high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Primary outcome metrics will focus on mean glucose levels and time in range (TIR, defined as $\\le 120\\text{ mg/dL}$) recorded throughout each active exercise block and its associated recovery window. To evaluate the comparative efficacy of the two modalities, paired within-subject differences will be statistically analyzed against pre-specified non-inferiority margins set at $3\\text{ mg/dL}$ for mean glucose, as well as a primary $3$-point and secondary $5$-point margin for time in range.

Eligibility

Age range

18+ years

Sex

All

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Interventions

• Other
  High Intensity Interval Training

  The Norwegian 4x4: The workout begins with a 5-to-10-minute warm-up, followed by four separate 4-minute high-intensity intervals where you push your body to 85%-95% of your maximum heart rate (roughly an 8 or 9 out of 10 effort level, where you are breathing too heavily to speak full sentences). Each intense "push" is interspersed with a 3-minute active recovery period of low-intensity movement-such as walking or light cycling-to let your heart rate drop back down to roughly 60%-70% of its maximum before starting the next round.

• Other
  Moderate Intensity aerobic training

  45 minutes of zone 2 training for five consecutive days

Location