Faculty Mentor: Ryan Burns (Health and Kinesiology, University of Utah)

 

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has reached alarming global prevalence, driven primarily by the rise of obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and excessive caloric intake. Central to T2D pathogenesis is the accumulation of visceral adipose tissue (VAT), a highly active fat depot associated with systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, and greater cardiometabolic risk. Given the central role of visceral adiposity in the development and progression of Type 2 diabetes, this review aimed to assess whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) offers a time efficient and effective intervention for reducing VAT and improving glycemic outcomes. This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines and included seven randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of HIIT on VAT reduction and glycemic control in T2D populations. Database searches (PubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus) yielded 36 unique records, seven of which met inclusion criteria. Across studies, HIIT protocols consistently led to meaningful reductions in VAT, often exceeding those seen with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). Such VAT loss frequently paralleled improvements in glycemic parameters, including fasting glucose, HbA1c, and insulin sensitivity. Although one study reported no significant difference between HIIT and MICT when total energy expenditure was controlled, the majority indicated HIIT’s superior or comparable efficacy at lower volumes and shorter session durations. Despite promising outcomes, barriers such as safety concerns, perceived exercise intensity, and the need for supervision may limit long-term adherence. Collectively, these findings suggest that appropriately structured HIIT interventions can offer a viable and effective strategy for VAT reduction and glycemic control in T2D, although further research is warranted to optimize individual protocols and facilitate broader, real-world application.

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