12/06/2019 / By Grace Olson
Diabetes increases the risk of developing other chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular disease. But in a recent study, scientists from the University of Otago in New Zealand revealed that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) could restore, even reverse, any adverse changes in heart function due to diabetes.
The study was published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, an official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine. In the article, the team suggested that three months of HIIT can boost heart function among diabetic participants – without altering medication or diet.
Researchers also concluded that HIIT could potentially be an inexpensive and practical method for managing diabetes, as well as improving overall heart health.
While previous research has shown that adopting lifestyle changes can help those with diabetes, its relationship with preventing cardiovascular disease is something that has yet to be realized. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 29 million Americans have diabetes, most of them Type 2 diabetes. Almost seven out of 10 of those with diabetes who are over the age of 65 will die from cardiovascular disease.
Diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels, lack of insulin and insulin resistance. High blood sugar can damage the tissues and cells that control the heart and its muscles.
In the current study, the team found out that Type 2 diabetes was linked to problems in the left ventricular muscle, which is responsible for pumping blood to the rest of the body. They then investigated whether practicing HIIT can help improve left ventricular function among diabetic patients.
High-intensity interval training refers to short but intense exercises alternating with intervals of moderate-intensity exercise. High-intensity exercises include sprinting or stair climbing, while exercises of moderate-intensity include jogging or brisk walking. (Related: HIIT that belly: High intensity workouts reduce belly fat faster than continuous exercise.)
To investigate, the researchers gathered 16 participants, all of whom had Type 2 diabetes. They asked 11 participants to perform HIIT exercises, while five were assigned as controls. The team then measured biomarkers for cardiovascular activity in the left ventricle at baseline and after three months.
The findings revealed that participants in the HIIT group exhibited better function in the left ventricle. This suggested that incorporating HIIT into daily exercises could help reverse or reduce the effects of diabetes on the heart. Overall, HIIT may be used to help people with diabetes manage their condition better.
From its name alone, high-intensity exercises are challenging, especially for beginners. But there are still great HIIT exercises, even for beginners. Try adding the following exercises into your workout:
Make sure to always talk to a healthcare professional before trying any new workouts, especially HIIT. Before starting a workout, do some warm-up exercises like jumping jacks or a light jog.
Aside from HIIT, build on other “good” habits like eating healthier foods and getting enough sleep. In this manner, you reduce the risk of getting heart disease even further.
Find other ways to manage diabetes and improve heart health naturally at Health.news.
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Tagged Under: anti-diabetes, exercise, fightobesity, fitness, heart health, HIIT, longevity, prevention, research, slender, Type 2 Diabetes
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