The Force Awakening in HbA1c Control: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Efficacy of High-Intensity and Endurance Exercise in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The increase in the global prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), driven mainly by obesity and physical inactivity, has increased interest in various nonpharmacological therapies. This systematic review aims to establish the effectiveness of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and resistance exercise (RE) compared with continuous aerobic exercise in improving control in patients with DM2. We conducted a comprehensive search for clinical trials using databases such as MEDLINE (PubMed) and Web of Science. The search was performed using a controlled vocabulary (MeSH) together with Boolean operators, and the results were limited to English and Spanish. Secondary outcomes were improvements in VO max and decreases in low-density lipoprotein (LDL). This study aims to explain evidence-based recommendations for primary care physicians on exercise therapies to improve glycemic management as well as cardiovascular health in people with DM2.