Background and Objective: Metabolic syndrome is defined as a cluster of metabolic disorders, which may lead to type II diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of aerobic training and Nigella sativa supplements on insulin resistance, lipid profiles, and plasma levels of HbA1c in Type 2 diabetic rats.
Materials and Methods: 35 male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The training program included 8 weeks of aerobic training on a treadmill. The supplement group consumed N. Sativa supplement at the end of each training session at the dose of 400mg/kg/day. After 8 weeks of aerobic training and N.Sativa consumption, the plasma levels of HbA1C, insulin resistance and lipid profiles were measured.
Results: The results showed that blood glucose level in all three groups was significantly lower than the baseline (P=0.0001). Cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL showed the most significant decrease in aerobic and combination training groups (P=0.0001). In HDL index, aerobic and combined exercise groups showed a significant increase (P=0.0001). Hemoglobin A1c index and insulin resistance in the combination group showed a significant decrease compared to the other groups (P=0.0001).
Conclusion: The results show that exercise along with N. Sativa supplement is more effective than N. sativa supplement or exercise alone in the status of rats with type 2 diabetes. This kind of combination therapy may also be applicable to diabetic patients.