The Effect of 8 Weeks of Combined Exercise and Propolis Supplementation on Glycemic Index in Women with Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a type of metabolic disorders that are associated with long-term hyperglycemia nevertheless nutrition and exercise are two factors that can improve blood glucose levels. This study investigates the effect of eight weeks of combined exercise and Propolis supplement on glycemic indices in women with type2 diabetes. 

In this applied research, 60 women with type 2 diabetes referred to Shiraz Medical Center were selected as a statistical sample and divided into 4 groups of 15 including: 1) placebo, 2) Exercise with placebo, 3) Exercise with propolis and 4) Propolis. During eight weeks, groups 3 and 4 received propolis in the form of 500 mg capsules three times a day (morning, noon and night) after each meal. Groups 2 and 3 also performed three to four sessions combined training (resistance-aerobic) per week. Resistance training performed with an intensity of 60 to 70% of a maximum repetition and aerobic training performed with an intensity of 65 to 80% of maximum heart rate. Blood samples were taken to specify glycemic index and insulin resistance, in two stages of pre-test and post-test. 

Exercise, propolis consumption and exercise simultaneously with propolis consumption led to a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose, insulin, insulin resistance and glycosylated hemoglobin (P≥0.05);Also, exercise with propolis consumption compared to exercise and propolis had a greater effect on lowering fasting blood glucose, insulin, IR and glycosylated hemoglobin (P≥0.05).

It seems that exercise and propolis alone can have positive effects on glycemic indices of diabetic patients; nevertheless combination of exercise and propolis has More favorable effects on improving glycemic indices than each one alone in Non insulin dependent diabetes.