Effects of Low-Volume High-Intensity Interval Training Compared to Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Inflammatory Profile in Women with Type 2 Diabetes

Background: The objective was to compare the effects of low-volume high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on the inflammatory profile in older women with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: Thirty older physically inactive women (68 ± 5 years) with T2D were randomized in two groups: HIIT (75 min/week with 10 min/session at high intensity) or MICT (150 min/week). Inflammatory profile (IL-6, IL-10, IL-15, TNF-α, and MCP-1; Luminex), body composition (iDXA), and cardiometabolic profile (A1c, glucose, insulin, lipids) were measured in fasting state, before and after the 3-month intervention in 27 participants. Results: While fasting levels of cytokines remained unchanged in the MICT group (p ≥ 0.18), circulating MCP-1 levels increased (from 160.9 [IQR: 133.5–230.2] to 187.88 [155.3–237.3]) in the HIIT group (p = 0.023). Linear regression revealed that changes in MCP-1 concentrations were positively associated with changes in A1c (adjusted R2 = 0.203; p = 0.018). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that 12 weeks of either low-volume HIIT or MICT do not improve inflammatory markers in older unfit women with T2D. The correlation between changes in A1c and MCP-1 levels support the role of hyperglycemia in low-grade inflammation.