The Effect of Combined Exercise and Broccoli Supplementation on FGF-21 and Insulin Resistance in Type-2 Diabetes Obese Men

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of mortality in developing countries that can be improved by various factors such as physical activity and proper diet. The present study was aimed at examining the effect of broccoli powder supplementation with combined exercise training on FGF-21 and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes men. This experimental design was conducted with pre-test and post-test and four groups. To this end, 44 volunteer diabetic men after homogenization based on individual characteristics were randomly assigned to four groups of 11 individuals including exercise-supplement group, exercise-placebo group (exercise), control-supplement group (supplement), and control-placebo (controls). Combined exercise program included 12 weeks, three sessions per week. Moreover, broccoli supplement was 10 grams per day for 12 weeks. The blood sample was taken 48 hours before and 48 hours after the last training session and used for analysis. Analysis of intergroup indicators revealed a significant difference between the groups in FGF-21 (p = 0.017) and insulin resistance (p = 0.01). Significant changes in the measured indices were also observed in the intragroup changes (p < 0.05). The results of this study showed that 12 weeks of combined exercise with broccoli supplement significantly reduced FGF-21, blood glucose, and insulin resistance in all three groups of exercise- supplement, exercise, and supplement. Therefore, incorporating broccoli into the diet can partially prevent the risky effects of type 2 diabetes.