Objective:

To compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Approach:

• Study Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 randomized controlled trials involving 792 participants.
• Data Sources: Search conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases up to November 16, 2025.
• Analysis Method: Pooled analysis using standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals.

Key Findings:

• No significant differences between HIIT and MICT in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose, HOMA-IR, BMI, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, or blood pressure.
• HIIT showed a significant improvement in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) (SMD 0.44, p = 0.023).
• Moderate training duration (20–30 minutes), lower weekly training frequency (≤3 sessions), and shorter intervention duration (≤8 weeks) optimized HIIT benefits on HDL.

Interpretation:

HIIT is an effective alternative to MICT for patients with type 2 diabetes, particularly for those with low HDL levels and time constraints.

Conclusion:

Personalized exercise prescriptions should consider training duration and weekly training frequency as key modifiers.

Sources:

• Systematic Review Registration