Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 M.Sc in Exercise Physiology, Sports Sciences Faculty, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
2 Professor in Exercise Physiology, Sports Sciences Faculty, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
3 Associate Professor in Exercise Physiology, Sports Sciences Faculty, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
4 Assistant Professor in Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
Abstract
Background and Aim: Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels due to insulin resistance. The use of Galega officinalis (goat’s rue) and aerobic training may serve as beneficial strategies for disease management. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of aerobic exercise and Galega supplementation on glycemic indices, insulin resistance and sensitivity, and lipid profiles in women with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: Forty women with type 2 diabetes were recruited and randomly assigned to four groups: aerobic exercise, Galega supplement, combined aerobic training and Galega supplement, and control. The exercise group performed 12 weeks of aerobic walking training (3 sessions/week) at 50–70% of heart rate reserve. The supplement group consumed 2 grams of Galega daily as an herbal infusion. The combined group underwent both interventions. Fasting serum levels of glucose, hemoglobin A1C, lipid profile (measured via enzymatic colorimetry), and insulin (assessed by ELISA) were analyzed. Insulin resistance and sensitivity indices were calculated using standard formulas. Intergroup differences were analyzed via two-way mixed ANOVA with Tukey’s post-hoc test, while intragroup differences were evaluated using paired t-tests. Results: Significant reductions in insulin, glucose, hemoglobin A1C, lipid profile parameters, liver enzymes, and HOMA-IR, along with increases in HOMA-β, QUICKI, and McAuley indices, were observed in all three intervention groups compared to the control group (p≤0.05p≤0.05). Furthermore, the combined exercise and Galega group demonstrated greater reductions in insulin, glucose, hemoglobin A1C, and HOMA-IR, as well as a higher increase in QUICKI, compared to the exercise-only and supplement-only groups (p≤0.05p≤0.05). Conclusion: Both aerobic exercise and Galega supplementation, either alone or in combination, improved glycemic indices, lipid profiles, liver enzymes, and insulin resistance/sensitivity markers in women with type 2 diabetes. However, the combined intervention exhibited superior efficacy in enhancing glycemic control and insulin sensitivity.
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