Abstract

Introduction: type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic degenerative disease, characterized by increased blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin. In Mexico it is the second cause of death amongst men and women; in their treatment, the use of drugs, diet and physical activity is recommended, the latter being the least supervised among patients. In recent decades, benefits of intervallic exercise for health, including cardiovascular and metabolic control, have been studied and documented. Objectives: To determine if an intervallic exercise program contributes to the reduction of glycosylated hemoglobin levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Case presentation: we worked with three men with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. They underwent an intervallic exercise program of 80-90% intensity of maximum heart rate; three times a week with three minutes of exercise per one minute rest, repeating six cycles at each visit for 16 weeks. Glycosylated hemoglobin was quantified at the beginning and the end of the program. Results: all three patients decreased their glycosylated hemoglobin percentage, one 13.5%, another 19.3% and the last one 42.0%. Conclusions: Intervallic exercise may contribute to decrease HbA1c percentages.