# Adipokine Levels and Glucose Metabolism Responses to the Acute Effects of High‐Intensity Interval Exercise (HIIE) and Moderate Intensity Continuous Exercise (MICE) in Prediabetic Obese Men

## TL;DR

This study compares how high-intensity and moderate-intensity exercise affect blood markers of metabolism and fat signaling in men with prediabetes.

## Contribution

The study shows both HIIE and MICE similarly reduce leptin and increase GDF-15, with MICE uniquely boosting adiponectin in prediabetic men.

## Key findings

- Both HIIE and MICE significantly reduced leptin levels compared to the control group.
- MICE increased adiponectin levels, while HIIE did not show a significant change.
- Both exercise types increased GDF-15 levels and altered glucose response patterns during OGTT.

## Abstract

Prediabetes involves impaired glucose regulation and alterations in adipokines. The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of high‐intensity interval training (HIIE) and moderate‐intensity continuous exercise (MICE) on metabolic function in obese prediabetic individuals.

Eight obese prediabetic men (30–45 years) were assigned to three conditions in a crossover design: HIIE, MICE and control. The HIIE protocol consisted of 10 × 1 min bursts at 90%–100% HRmax with active rest, and the MICE protocol consisted of 30 min of continuous exercise at 60%–65% HRmax. Blood samples were collected at four time points (before, immediately, 3 and 24 h after exercise) and serum levels of GDF‐15, adiponectin, leptin and OGTT markers were measured.

Results of repeated‐measures ANOVA showed that the effect of time on leptin levels was significant (p < 0.05), and both types of exercise resulted in significant decreases compared to the control group (p < 0.05), although no difference was observed between HIIE and MICE (p > 0.05). Serum adiponectin levels increased significantly after MICE compared with baseline and control groups (p < 0.05), whereas no significant changes were observed in HIIE; however, there was no significant difference between the two exercise conditions (p > 0.05). GDF‐15 levels increased significantly after both HIIE and MICE training, with no significant difference between the two exercise conditions (p > 0.05). Both HIIE and MICE differently altered the glucose response pattern over time during the OGTT, but the average total glucose did not differ significantly between the two exercise groups (p > 0.05).

HIIE and MICE exercises reduced leptin and altered glucose response patterns (at 90 min) in obese prediabetic subjects, without significant differences between them. The type and intensity of exercise regulate metabolism, but more studies are needed.

In a cross‐sectional study (N = 8 obese prediabetic men), high‐intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and moderate‐intensity continuous exercise (MICE) were compared with a control group. Both exercises significantly reduced serum leptin and increased GDF‐15 levels (p < 0.05), and MICE uniquely increased adiponectin (p < 0.05). The glucose response during the OGTT at 90 min after exercise was altered in both conditions, with no difference between HIIE and MICE. These findings highlight the exercise‐induced modulation of adipokines and glucose metabolism in prediabetes.