High-intensity interval exercise causes less blood sugar drop than moderate exercise in type 1 diabetes
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.
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Study at a glance
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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
What this paper says
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
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
Journal Reference
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
Main Effects
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 Suggest
- High-intensity interval exercise with 20-second bursts causes less blood glucose decline than continuous exercise at matched average intensities
- Both interval and continuous exercise can be performed safely without hypoglycemia when using ultra-long-acting insulin and reducing mealtime insulin based on exercise intensity
- Hormone responses to exercise are similar between interval and continuous modes despite higher peak workloads in intervals
Who this applies to
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.
Keep in Mind
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.
Between the Lines
- Very small sample size (only 7 participants)
- Only trained males studied - not generalizable to women or sedentary individuals
- Non-randomized exercise sequence may introduce bias
- Highly controlled laboratory conditions may not reflect real-world exercise
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