The effect of different exercise training modes on serum ferritin and iron levels of type 2 diabetic rats

Ferritin is an indicator of iron (Fe) storage in the body and plays the main role of cellular oxidation. It is hypothesized that Fe causes insulin resistance and then by reducing insulin secretion leads to type 2 diabetes. Considering the effects of exercise training in increasing insulin sensitivity, this study was designed the effect of various resistance (DR), endurance (DE), and combined (DER) activities on serum ferritin and Fe levels in diabetic rats.

Type 2 diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of Nicotinamide solution (120 mg/kg) and Streptozotocin (65 mg/kg). One week after the confirmation of diabetes, the training groups underwent DR, DE and DER exercises for 10 weeks. After completing the research protocol, blood sampling was done to measure serum ferritin and Fe levels.

Type 2 diabetes caused an adverse increase in blood glucose, insulin levels, increased HOMA-IR, Fe, serum ferritin and decreased HOMA-IS. Looking to improve glycemic indices after 10 weeks of DE, DR and DER training, we saw a decrease in serum Fe and ferritin levels, and DER training had a significant decrease in Fe compared to DR and DE training.

This study shows that serum iron and ferritin levels in diabetes are significantly increased and increased ferritin may be one of the reasons for insulin resistance in diabetes. Given the importance of iron and ferritin levels in insulin resistance, combined exercise with moderate intensity and time by reducing these biomarkers can reduce glycemic indices in diabetes.