Alternating between high-intensity and low-intensity exercise can help people with diabetes. (Photo: Pedro Ribeiro Simões, flickr.com)
The positive effect of exercise on diabetes is well established, but new research suggests that alternating between high-intensity and low-intensity exercise is required for best results.
Researchers examined control of blood sugar levels in three groups; one that did not exercise, one that did continuous low-intensity exercise, and one that alternated between high and low intensity (interval training). The third group had the best results; the authors suggest that may be due to increased dispersal of glucose in the body and increased insulin sensitivity.
The original research paper was published in Diabetologia on August 4, 2014, and is available upon request.
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