The impact of high-intensity interval training and alternate-day fasting on glucose metabolism in rats on a high-fat diet

Abstract

Abstract The effect of lifestyle modifications in the form of exercise training and fasting intervention on glucose metabolism in subjects on a high-fat diet is not completely understood. The present study aimed to examine the effects of alternate-day fasting (ADF) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on serum levels of C-peptide, fructosamine, and glucose in rats under a high-fat diet. Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were initially fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks, then randomised into the following four groups: HIIT, ADF, HIIT + ADF, and control (CON). The HIIT and ADF interventions were conducted 3 days per week for 6 weeks. The HIIT induced a significant reduction in serum fructosamine levels compared to other groups (), as well as there was a significant reduction in serum glucose levels compared to the ADF and HIIT + ADF groups (). ADF and HIIT + ADF did not cause any significant changes in fructosamine, glucose, and C-peptide serum levels compared to the CON group (). In subjects under a high-fat diet, HIIT but not ADF or HIIT + ADF may be associated with favourable improvements in glucose metabolism markers.