Last updated July 18, 2026
Key finding
Fasting insulin decreased relative to control in A+R (MD -8.87 mIU/L; 95% CI -11.77 to -5.97).
This study compared the effects of combined aerobic-resistance training and high-intensity interval training on adults with type 2 diabetes. Both interventions showed significant improvements in fasting insulin and HbA1c levels compared to standard care.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Medium-Term (3–12 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This study compared the effects of combined aerobic-resistance training and high-intensity interval training on adults with type 2 diabetes. Both interventions showed significant improvements in fasting insulin and HbA1c levels compared to standard care.
These findings are significant for managing type 2 diabetes, as they suggest that specific exercise regimens can lead to meaningful reductions in insulin resistance and blood sugar levels. This could help guide healthcare providers in recommending tailored physical activity programs to improve metabolic health in diabetic patients.
The sample size may limit the generalizability of the findings. The study did not measure long-term effects of the interventions. Potential confounding factors were not fully controlled.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Sampath KA, Arthur DSF, Patrícia DSV, Ricardo NOC. Comparative Effects of Combined Aerobic-Resistance Training and High-Intensity Interval Training on Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial. PLOS One. 2025;20(12):e0336898. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0336898
Fasting insulin decreased by -8.87 mIU/L in the A+R group compared to control.
HbA1c was reduced by -3.33% in the A+R group compared to control.
Fasting plasma glucose decreased by -20.6 mg/dL in the A+R group compared to control.
Evidence network
Understand where this research contributes within the broader evidence network.
This study contributes evidence to High-intensity interval exercise, Resistance training and 6-minute walk distance, Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), Fasting insulin levels, and 6 more.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
High-intensity interval exercise
Primary outcomes
Primary intervention
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
See why this paper is useful beyond its individual results.
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.
7
Related topics
18
Evidence pairs
1213
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Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
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Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence topic
matched_intervention_and_outcome
Related evidence
Evidence topic
Save evidence
Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
High-intensity interval exercise → 6-minute walk distance
High-intensity interval exercise → 6-minute walk distance
High-intensity interval exercise → Fasting insulin levels
High-intensity interval exercise → Fasting insulin levels
High-intensity interval exercise → Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
High-intensity interval exercise → Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
High-intensity interval exercise → Insulin resistance
High-intensity interval exercise → Insulin resistance
High-intensity interval exercise → Lean body mass
High-intensity interval exercise → Lean body mass
High-intensity interval exercise → Quality of life
High-intensity interval exercise → Quality of life
High-intensity interval exercise → Subcutaneous Fat Reduction
High-intensity interval exercise → Subcutaneous Fat Reduction
High-intensity interval exercise → Visceral Fat Reduction
High-intensity interval exercise → Visceral Fat Reduction
Resistance training → 6-minute walk distance
Resistance training → 6-minute walk distance
Resistance training → Fasting insulin levels
Resistance training → Fasting insulin levels
Resistance training → Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
Resistance training → Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
Resistance training → Subcutaneous Fat Reduction
Resistance training → Subcutaneous Fat Reduction
Resistance training → Visceral Fat Reduction
Resistance training → Visceral Fat Reduction
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Resistance training and Body Composition, High-intensity interval exercise and HbA1c.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Physical Activity
Physical Activity
Physical Activity
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies measuring Body Composition
Measures Body Composition as a key outcome.
All studies on Resistance training
Contributes to Resistance training evidence base.
All studies measuring HbA1c
Measures HbA1c as a key outcome.
All studies on High-intensity interval exercise
Contributes to High-intensity interval exercise evidence base.
All studies measuring Quality of Life Outcomes
Measures Quality of Life Outcomes as a key outcome.
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3 results
2 results
3 results
2 results
3 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Resistance training may improve Lean body mass.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are generally consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
Lean body mass
EvidenceScore™ Moderate | EvidenceScore™ 73.6 | moderate positive | ConsistencyScore™ Generally Consistent | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Resistance training may improve Fasting insulin levels.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
Fasting insulin levels
EvidenceScore™ Moderate | EvidenceScore™ 69.0 | moderate positive | ConsistencyScore™ Consistent | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Resistance training may improve HbA1c.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
HbA1c
EvidenceScore™ Moderate | EvidenceScore™ 69.0 | moderate positive | ConsistencyScore™ Consistent | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
High-intensity interval exercise may improve HbA1c.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are mixed and should be interpreted cautiously.
Ranked evidence signals
HbA1c
EvidenceScore™ Moderate | EvidenceScore™ 69.0 | moderate positive | ConsistencyScore™ Mixed | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is cautious because the available studies report mixed findings.
Limitations
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