Effects of resistance training and nigella sativa on type 2 diabetes: implications for metabolic markers, low-grade inflammation and liver enzyme production

Context Proper nutrition and exercise are effective strategies to improve overall metabolic health in diabetic patients. Objective This study evaluated the effects of Nigella sativa (NS) supplementation during resistance training (RT) on some biochemical variables in type 2 diabetes patients. Methods Forty patients were assigned to groups: RT + NS (RN), NS, RT + placebo (RP), and control (CO). RT was performed and NS was consumed for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected at rest immediately before and after the 8 week intervention. Results RT or NS by themselves reduced HOMA-IR, insulin, glucose, TG, TC, LDL, ESR, CRP, AST, ALT and ALP, and increased HDL and HOMA-S. The combination of RT and NS, rather than each intervention alone, had significant effects on reduction of HOMA-IR, insulin, ESR and CRP as well as increases in HDL, HOMA-beta/S. Conclusion RT combined with NS is sometimes a better strategy compared to single interventions for improving diabetes related biomarkers in type 2 diabetic patients.

Automated summary

This study found that resistance training and Nigella sativa supplementation can improve biochemical variables in patients with type 2 diabetes, and the combination of the two interventions has a better effect.