Introduction: The continuous rise of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its associated chronic complications such as peripheral neuropathy and cognitive dysfunction remains a global problem. Physical exercise has been shown to improve cognitive performance in many populations including T2D patient population. The mechanism via which exercise is believed to improve cognitive function is an increase in mBDNF levels. High-intensity interval exercise (HIIT) causes an increase in mBDNF levels which is associated with increased cognitive performance. ProBDNF, an isoform of BDNF, which has opposing effects to that of mBDNF decreases with HIIT. There is a paucity of data on the roles of pro-BDNF in diabetes-induced cognitive dysfunction compared to the numerous reports on the function of mature BDNF. Aims and objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of HIIT on cognitive performance in patients with T2D. Methods: 32 nondiabetic and 54 diabetic subjects were screened and enrolled into this study. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Kano state ministry of health and each subject signed informed consent prior to inclusion. The subjects were subjected to 6 HIIT sessions spread over 2 weeks. MoCA test was administered before starting (day 1) and after completion (day 6). 5mL of blood was also collected from each subject on the same days in plain and EDTA tubes. The blood in the plain tubes was used to collect serum for the determination of proBDNF and BDNF levels employing the ELISA technique. Plain tube blood was used for the determination of FBG (using Accucheck glucometer) and HbA1c test (using point of care). Data were analysed using the Wilcoxon rank test and dependent sample t-test. Results presented as Median (Min-Max). Result: proBDNF isoform was found to be significantly lower after HIIT (5.04 ± 0.20 vs 4.94 ± 0.14) with significant rise in BDNF levels were observed after (8.17 ± 0.30) exercise among the diabetics compared to baseline levels (5.32 ± 0.29). The total MoCA score increased in both groups. The scores in all the domains of the MoCA test except visuospatial domain were also found to be higher compared to the baseline values (p˂0.05). Conclusion: HIIE improved cognitive function in patients with T2D, apparently through increase in conversion of proBDNF isoform to mBDNF.