Effect Of Tabata Protocol On Insulin Response, Cardiac Stress Markers, And Systemic Inflammation In Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) increases risks of insulin resistance, cardiovascular complications, and chronic inflammation. The Tabata protocol, a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) method, is a time-efficient yet understudied intervention for T2DM. Objective: To investigate the effects of the Tabata protocol on insulin response, cardiac stress markers, and systemic inflammation in T2DM patients. Methods: Sixty sedentary males with T2DM (aged 30-40) were randomized into three groups: Tabata training with medication (n=20), traditional HIIT with medication (n=20), and a control group (brisk walking with medication, n=20). Outcomes (troponin I, C-reactive protein [CRP], fasting insulin) were measured at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Results: The Tabata group showed significant reductions in troponin I (p=0.034 at 3 months), CRP (p<0.001 at 6 months), and fasting insulin (p=0.006 at 3 months, p<0.001 at 6 months), outperforming traditional HIIT and control in insulin reduction (p=0.002 at 6 months). Conclusion: Tabata training enhances insulin sensitivity, reduces cardiac stress, and mitigates systemic inflammation, suggesting its potential as an effective exercise strategy for T2DM management.