Last updated May 16, 2026
Key finding
In a study of 7 trained men with type 1 diabetes, high-intensity interval exercise led to a smaller drop in blood glucose compared to moderate continuous exercise, with no hypoglycemia occurring in either exercise mode when insulin was adjusted appropriately.
This small study tested two different exercise styles in people with type 1 diabetes: short bursts of intense exercise versus steady moderate exercise. When participants reduced their mealtime insulin based on exercise intensity, the interval-style exercise caused less drop in blood sugar. Neither exercise type caused dangerous low blood sugar during or after workouts.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Low
Study type
Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
Follow-up
Short-Term (≤3 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
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Study focus
In a study of 7 trained men with type 1 diabetes, high-intensity interval exercise led to a smaller drop in blood glucose compared to moderate continuous exercise, with no hypoglycemia occurring in either exercise mode when insulin was adjusted appropriately.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Moser O, Tschakert G, Mueller A, et al. Effects of High-Intensity Interval Exercise versus Moderate Continuous Exercise on Glucose Homeostasis and Hormone Response in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Using Novel Ultra-Long-Acting Insulin. PLoS One. 2015;10(8):e0136489. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0136489
Blood glucose decrease ↓ (smaller in interval vs continuous exercise)
Hypoglycemia risk → (no events in either exercise mode)
Blood lactate ↑ (higher in intervals at low/moderate intensity)
Evidence network
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This study contributes evidence to High-intensity interval exercise, Insulin degludec, Moderate continuous exercise and Blood glucose, Blood lactate concentration.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
High-intensity interval exercise
Primary outcomes
Evidence topics
Primary intervention
Primary outcomes
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
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Related topics
4
Evidence pairs
193
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Contributes evidence
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Contributes evidence
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Contributes evidence
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Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
High-intensity interval exercise → Blood glucose
High-intensity interval exercise → Blood glucose
High-intensity interval exercise → Blood lactate concentration
High-intensity interval exercise → Blood lactate concentration
Moderate continuous exercise → Blood glucose
Moderate continuous exercise → Blood glucose
Evidence Library
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This study examined trained men aged 18-35 years with type 1 diabetes for at least 12 months, good glycemic control (HbA1c <8%), no diabetic complications, and using intensified insulin therapy or insulin pumps. Results may not apply to women, older adults, sedentary individuals, or those with poor glycemic control or diabetic complications.
This is a very small pilot study in a highly specific population (young, trained males). The insulin adjustments and exercise protocols were highly controlled and may be difficult to implement outside research settings. Results apply specifically to ultra-long-acting insulin degludec and 20-second interval protocols. Individual responses to exercise vary considerably, and these group averages may not predict any individual's response. Anyone with diabetes should work with their healthcare team before making changes to insulin dosing around exercise.
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on High-intensity interval exercise and Fasting Glucose, Insulin Therapies and Fasting Glucose.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Physical Activity
Medications
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies measuring Fasting Glucose
Measures Fasting Glucose as a key outcome.
All studies on High-intensity interval exercise
Contributes to High-intensity interval exercise evidence base.
All studies on Insulin Therapies
Contributes to Insulin Therapies evidence base.
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2 results
2 results
2 results
2 results
2 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Insulin Therapies appears to improve Fasting Glucose.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
Blood glucose
EvidenceScore™ Moderate | EvidenceScore™ 69.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Consistent | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on 5 supporting studies with consistent results and a positive effect signal.
Limitations
Aerobic Exercise appears to improve Fasting Glucose.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are mixed and should be interpreted cautiously.
Ranked evidence signals
Blood glucose
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is cautious because the available studies report mixed findings.
Limitations
High-intensity interval exercise appears to improve Blood glucose.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
Blood glucose
EvidenceScore™ Moderate | EvidenceScore™ 69.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Consistent | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
High-intensity interval exercise appears to improve Blood lactate concentration.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Blood lactate concentration
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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