high-intensity interval training versus moderate intensity combined training (resistance and aerobic) for improving insulin-related adipokines in type 2 diabetic women

Background: the impaired adipocytes secrete factors observed in diabetes contribute to insulin resistance. the purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of high-intensity interval versus moderate intensity combined resistance and aerobic training on some adipokines related to insulin resistance (interleukin-6 [il-6], apelin, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (mcp-1)) in women with type 2 diabetes. methods: fifty two females with type 2 diabetes (aged 45 - 60 years, the hba1c value of 6.5% or above, and fasting blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dl (7.0 mmol/l)) were assessed for eligibility. the participants were assigned to a hiit group (n = 17), a combined resistance and aerobic training group (n = 17), and a control group (n = 18) randomly. the exercises included 10 weeks of combined training and hiit. results: tnf-α concentrations changed significantly in the hiit (p = 0.001) and combined training (p = 0.015) groups. the same test revealed that the differences were significant for the il-6 in the hiit (p < 0.000) and combined training (p < 0.000) groups. data also showed significant differences in mcp-1 and il-6 levels in the hiit and combined resistance and aerobic training groups (p < 0.05). in addition, there were no significant changes in apelin in both groups after 10 weeks (p > 0.05). the ancova test showed no significant differences in apelin (f = 0.511, p = 0.12). conclusions: the results highlight that exercise training, independent of the mode of training, is an effective strategy to improve some adipokines related to insulin resistance in women with type 2 diabetes.