Diabetes Mellitus (DM), a chronic metabolic disease-causing chronic hyperglycemia. Globally more than 90% cases are of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Around 537 million adults worldwide had diabetes but according to data from Pakistan, female sufferers are marginally higher (26.4%) as compared to men (25.1%). The main causes of DM II are genetic predispositions, including consanguinity, dietary changes, urbanization and sedentary lifestyles. It is reported that postmenopausal status is linked to worsened glycemic control, increased visceral adiposity and and inflammation, and women before menopause generally have improved lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity. HIIT provides powerful and time-efficient benefits by alternating high-intensity workouts (85-95% HR\_Max) with recovery.
Diabetes Mellitus (DM), is linked to impaired protein, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as impaired insulin secretion or its reduced sensitivity and this number will increase to almost 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045. As estimated by the International Diabetes Federation (2021), the burden of DM type II is especially severe in Pakistan, where 33 million adults are affected by it, ranking Pakistan at number three globally. A study published in January 2025 in BMC Public Health found that the DALY burden of type 2 diabetes in Asian women was approximately 7,122 per 100,000, with behavioral risk factors (air pollution, fasting plasma glucose, and dietary risks) playing a significant role. The Study of Women's Health across the Nation (SWAN) cohort showed that Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) levels rose steadily during menopause this means that insulin resistance gets a lot worse for women during menopause. While another study reported that postmenopausal women have comparatively increased Low Density Lipo-protein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, increased C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6), the markers of cardio-metabolic risk, as compared to premenopausal women. As estradiol deficiency is linked to decreased adiponectin and increased leptin, these hormonal changes also upset the balance of adipokines, exacerbating insulin resistance and inflammatory signaling pathways. After age 45, the odds ratio (OR) of getting T2DM was about 0.13, and the risks stopped rising after age 50-55. The key to managing type 2 diabetes is physical activity. Insulin sensitivity, systemic inflammation, fasting glucose, and HbA1c are all improved by conventional aerobic exercise. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and other interventions meant to improve insulin sensitivity and inflammatory status. HIIT improves mitochondrial function, decreases inflammation, changes the distribution of body fat, and increases muscle glucose uptake to help manage type 2 diabetes in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. HIIT therefore enhances insulin sensitivity and glycemic control. According to meta-analyses, adults with type 2 diabetes who receive 8-12 weeks of HIIT experience significant decreases in their HbA1c (0.3-0.8%), fasting insulin (\~20-30%), and CRP (\~15-25%). In another study HIIT protocol were applied on the PCOS women with hormonal imbalances and metabolic issues Running at 100-110% of maximum aerobic velocity (MAV) was part of the training regimen, which was divided into 4-6 sets of 4 laps. For eight weeks, participants trained three times a week. The goal of this intense training program was to improve aerobic capacity and performance. Diabetes is prevalent worldwide; postmenopausal women are more vulnerable because of metabolic and hormonal changes. Previous studies have not much inquired the effect of glycemic control in varying menopausal status, although effectiveness of HIIT is proven for improving in insulin sensitivity and CRP in women and is considered a promising modality, but there is need to determine its effectiveness across women of varied menopausal status with T2DM. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effects of HIIT on glycemic control, Inflammatory markers, and Insulin sensitivity in pre versus postmenopausal women with T2DM and to support culturally appropriate menopause-sensitive exercise recommendations for women with T2DM.High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) provides a quick, non-pharmacological method to enhance insulin sensitivity, blood sugar regulation, body composition, and heart health, , this study intends to investigate how HIIT can specifically help manage blood sugar problems associated with hormonal changes associated with menopause.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
60
This will include 8 weeks of plan with total 27 sessions 3 times a week and each session will include warm up exercises ( Treadmill (Incline and Reverse), Mat Exercises (Cobra, Cat/camel stretches, Superman, Aeroplane and Skydiving exercises)and Cycling (Seated and un-supported). this will be of 10-15 minutes. Then HIIT exercises which includes High knees, Push ups, Russian crunches, Battle ropes, Weighted squats, Planks, Seated rows and Jumping jacks. Then cool- down exercises will be of 10-15 minutes and this will includes Full body Stretches (Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Piriformis, Calfs, Biceps, Triceps, Rhomboids, IT band, Trapezius, and Chest Stretches), whole exercise plan will take 60-90 minutes.
This group will includes also recieve 8 weeks of exercises plan for 3/week warmup exercises same as the experimental group such as Treadmill (Incline and Reverse), Mat Exercises (Cobra, Cat/camel stretches, Superman, Aeroplane and Skydiving exercises)and Cycling (Seated and un-supported) forv about 10-15 miutes Resistance Exercises like (LAT Pull down, Leg Curls, Leg Extension, Hips Adductor/ Abductors, Seated Rowing, Rear deltoid machine). the progression will be increased gradually. Cool down exercises includes full body streching and the whole session will be of 60-90 minutes
Ginnastic Health Centre, Islamabad
Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan, Pakistan
HbA1c
For monitoring long-term glycemic control, the average blood glucose over the past 2-3 months. its values range from Normal: \< 5.7%, Prediabetes: 5.7% - 6.4%, Diabetes: ≥ 6.5%
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
Fasting Blood Glucose
For Assessing short-term blood sugar control, used for onitoring glucose levels in metabolic disorders and Screening for insulin resistance or hypoglycemia.. Normal: 70 - 99 mg/dL (3.9 - 5.5 mmol/L), Prediabetes: 100 - 125 mg/dL (5.6 - 6.9 mmol/L), Diabetes: ≥ 126 mg/dL (≥ 7.0 mmol/L)
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
Fasting Insulin
Evaluating insulin resistance and sensitivity also use to monitoring and managing diabetes). Normal: 2 - 20 µU/mL
Time frame: Baseline and 8 week
Basic Lipid Profile testing including total cholesterol, Low-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol,High-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol and Triglycerides.
these are validated blood tests for diagnosing dyslipidemia. A lipid profile's normal ranges, in mg/dL, are: Total Cholesterol: \< 200, LDL (Bad) Cholesterol: \< 100 (or \< 70 for those with diabetes), HDL (Good) Cholesterol: \> 60, and Triglycerides: \< 150
Time frame: Baseline and 8 week
CRP
for Detecting and monitoring inflammation in the body) Normal: \< 10 mg/L Elevated: \> 10 mg/L
Time frame: Baseline and 8 week
QUICKI (Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index)
Normal value ≥ 0.33. * Estimating insulin sensitivity (higher = better sensitivity) * An alternative to HOMA-IR, especially in research settings.
Time frame: Baseline and 8 week
HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance)
Normal value \< 2 * Estimating insulin resistance (higher = more resistance) * Early detection of metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes.
Time frame: Baseline and 8 week
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