2-Year High-Intensity Workout Boosts Heart Fitness in Diabetes Patients

A two‑year vigorous workout plan was tested in people with type 2 diabetes whose kidneys were losing function quickly. Real‑world data on long‑term activity for this group are scarce.

The trial included 103 adults from 21 clinics. They were split into two groups. One group did weekly, supervised vigorous sessions led by specialist trainers. The other group followed standard advice to move more.

After two years, the vigorous group’s VO₂ peak rose from about 19.3 to 22.0 ml per minute per kilogram. The control group’s value stayed around 19.9 to 19.7. Sitting time and moderate‑to‑vigorous activity stayed the same, whether measured by questionnaires or wearable devices. Attendance dropped as the study progressed.

The improvement shows the plan can boost heart fitness, which is linked to lower mortality. However, activity levels did not change, highlighting a challenge in keeping people active long term. Better strategies to maintain participation are needed to reap the health benefits.