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

Introduction: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by long-term hyperglycemia. However, nutrition and exercise can both help to lower blood sugarlevels. This study aimed to investigates the effect of eight weeks of combined exercise and propolis supplements on glycemic indicators in women with type 2 diabetes. Method: This applied research was conducted on 60 women with type 2 diabetes, who were selected from Shiraz Medical Center and divided into four groups of 15, including 1) placebo, 2) exercise with placebo, 3) exercise with propolis, and 4) propolis. Groups 3 and 4 received propolis in the form of 500 mg capsules three times a day (morning, noon, and night) after each meal for eight weeks. Groups 2 and 3 also performed three sessions of combined training (resistance-aerobic) per week. Combined training was resistance training with an intensity of 60-85% of a maximum repetition and aerobic training with an intensity of 50-70% of the maximum heart rate. Results: Exercise, propolis consumption and exercise led to a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose, insulin, insulin resistance and glycosylated hemoglobin simultaneously with propolis consumption (P≥0.05). In addition, exercise with propolis consumption compared to exercise and propolis had a more significant effect on lowering fasting blood glucose, insulin, IR, and glycosylated hemoglobin (P≥0.05). Conclusion(s): According to the results, exercise and propolis could positively affect the glycemic indicators of diabetic patients. Nevertheless, the combination of exercise and propolis had more favorable effects on improving glycemic indicators than each one alone in Non-insulin-dependent diabetes.