Mitochondrial cristae density is increased following high-intensity interval training in men with type 2 diabetes
Authors' conclusion
Skeletal muscle mitochondrial cristae density is not different between individuals with type 2 diabetes and glucose-tolerant individuals with obesity and lean individuals, and the capacity for cristae remodelling in response to exercise is not affected by type 2 diabetes. These findings highlight the plasticity of mitochondrial architecture and support HIIT as a potent stimulus for improving muscle oxidative and metabolic health in type 2 diabetes.
Study context
- Population
- Men aged 40–65 years with T2D, glucose-tolerant obesity or lean; vastus lateralis biopsies analysed by transmission electron microscopy
- Participants
- 15 / 15 / 18
- Comparison
- T2D vs glucose-tolerant obesity vs lean; effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT)
- T2Dn = 15
- Obesityn = 15
- Leann = 18reference
- Primary endpoint
- Mitochondrial cristae density (cristae surface area per mitochondrial volume) in skeletal muscle
Methodological detailssupervised, 8 week HIIT intervention
- Supervised
- 8 week HIIT intervention
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Mitochondrial cristae density
HIIT increased cristae density across all groups, most in type 2 fibres and intermyofibrillar compartment
≈7%
Further findings
Cristae surface area per muscle volume
- Increase with HIIT
- ≈55%
- Lower at baseline in T2D vs Lean
Original publication
Mitochondrial cristae density is increased following high-intensity interval training in men with type 2 diabetes. Diabetologia. Published 8 March 2026. doi:10.
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