The Effect of High-Intensity Short-Duration Exercise Versus Moderate-Intensity High-Volume Exercise on Glucose Control as Measured by Continuous Glucose Monitoring
University of California, San Francisco
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
Inclusion Criteria: Age 18 years or older Non-diabetic or pre-diabetic status (defined by medical history or standard screening criteria, e.g., HbA1c \< 6.5%) Capable and willing to participate in both Zone 2 aerobic exercise and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols Willing to wear a continuous glucose monitor (Dexcom G7) continuously for the 11-day study duration Able to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes Use of glucose-lowering medications, insulin, or other pharmaceuticals that significantly alter glucose metabolism Cu…
Interventions
- OtherHigh 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.
- OtherModerate Intensity aerobic training
45 minutes of zone 2 training for five consecutive days
Location
- University of California, San FranciscoSan Francisco, California