Inflammatory processes contribute to metabolic dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A randomized crossover study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism evaluated inflammatory biomarkers that distinguish T2DM from healthy adults and examined acute inflammatory responses to different exercise protocols.

The trial enrolled 21 adults with T2DM (mean age 47.81 ± 11.88 years) and 26 healthy adults (31.77 ± 6.66 years). Participants completed three exercise trials separated by at least 72 hours. The protocols included moderate-intensity aerobic, resistance, and combined exercise, as well as resistance and combined exercise performed at low, moderate, and vigorous intensities. Blood samples were collected at fasting baseline, immediately after exercise, and 72 hours after exercise. Circulating levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and leukocyte counts were measured.

Baseline analysis showed significantly higher hs-CRP levels in participants with T2DM compared with healthy adults in the combined exercise trial (p = 0.017). In most exercise conditions, hs-CRP and leukocyte counts did not show immediate changes following exercise.

During the resistance exercise trial, IL-8 and TNF-α concentrations declined immediately after exercise (p = 0.048 and p < 0.001, respectively). A significant group-by-time interaction for leukocyte counts was also observed during the aerobic and combined exercise trial (p = 0.034). IL-6 responses differed across exercise protocols but did not vary between groups.

The findings indicate that hs-CRP differentiates well-controlled T2DM from healthy adults, while acute exercise produces targeted cytokine responses rather than a broad anti-inflammatory effect.