Abstract: | This study investigated the acute glucose response to low‐intensity, moderate‐intensity, and high‐intensity interval exercise compared to no‐exercise in healthy insufficiently active males using a four‐arm, randomized, crossover design. Ten males (age: 37.3 ± 7.3 years, BMI : 29.3 ± 6.5 kg·m?2) completed four 30‐minute interventions at weekly intervals comprising low‐intensity exercise (LIE ) at ~35% O2R, moderate‐intensity exercise (MIE ) at ~50% O2R, high‐intensity interval exercise (HIIE ) at ~80% O2R, and a no‐exercise control. Participants performed cycle ergometer exercise 30 minutes after finishing breakfast. Glucose response was assessed using a continuous glucose monitor under free‐living conditions with dietary intake replicated. A significant effect for intensity on energy expenditure was identified (P < .001) with similar energy cost in MIE (mean ± SD : 869 ± 148 kJ) and HIIE (806 ± 145 kJ ), which were both greater than LIE (633 ± 129 kJ). The pattern of glucose response between the interventions over time was different (P = .02). Glucose was lower 25 minutes into each of the HIIE , MIE and LIE trials respectively (mean difference ± SD : ?0.7 ± 1.1; ?0.9 ± 1.1; ?0.6 ± 0.9 mmol·L?1; P < .05) than in the no‐exercise trial. Glucose response was not different between exercise intensities (P > .05). Twenty‐four‐hour AUC was not affected by exercise intensity (P = .75). There was a significant effect for exercise enjoyment (P = .02), with LIE (69 ± 4) preferred less than HIIE (mean ± SD : 84 ± 14; P = .02), MIE (73 ± 5; P = .03), and no‐exercise (75 ± 4; P = .03). Exercise at any intensity 30 minutes after a meal affects glycemic regulation equally in insufficiently active males. Moderate to vigorous exercise intensities were preferred, and therefore, the exercise guidelines appear appropriate for the prevention of cardiometabolic disease. |