The effect of aerobic exercise and barley β-glucan on blood glucose, body composition and blood pressure of diabetic women

The incidence of type 2 diabetes increases with aging, unhealthy diets, obesity and sedentary lifestyles. The aim of this study was to investigate the combinational effect of a 12-week aerobic exercise and barley β-glucan (BBG) on blood glucose, body composition and blood pressure in women with type 2 diabetes.
In this semi-experimental study, 24 women with the mean age of 49 years and a blood glucose level of 110-280 mg/dl were purposefully selected and randomly divided into three groups: a) group of aerobic exercise with diet (n=8), b) diet group (n=8) c) control group (n=8). The diet group consumed one barley bread, containing 4 g of β glucan, each day for 12 weeks. The group of aerobic exercise, who was on diet, participated in a progressive walking program with the intensity of %60-70% of maximal heart rate in addition to diet program (barley bread). Blood glucose, weight, fat percentage, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels were measured in pre-and post-training.
Results showed a significant decrease in the blood glucose level in the experimental groups compared to the control group, while no major changes were observed in body composition and blood pressure.
It seems that the combined program (aerobic training with diet) or consumption of β-glucan alone can decrease blood glucose in patients with diabetes.