Changes in Serum Levels of Retinol Binding Protein 4, Glucose and Insulin in Adaptation to Nettle Supplementation and Combination Training in Overweight Men With Type 2 Diabetes

Background and Objectives Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world, and its increasing growth has led to numerous health and socioeconomic problems in the community. Subjects and Methods In this quasi-experimental study, 40 men with type 2 diabetes were selected from the volunteers based on a nutritional questionnaire, exercise abilities, body mass index, and physical health. They were randomly divided into four groups: exercise, nettle, exercise plus nettle, and control. The resistance training program was performed for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week with an intensity of 60% to 70% of a maximum repetition, and aerobic exercise with an intensity of 60% to 80% of maximum heart rate. The dose of nettle was 100 mg per day. Blood sampling was performed before fasting and 48 hours after the last training session. Data were analyzed using paired t test and analysis of variance. Results After eight weeks of intervention, there was a significant difference in fasting insulin and glucose levels between the groups (P= 0.001 and P= 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in the retinol levels bound to protein 4 between all groups (P= 0.096). Conclusion The results showed that both exercise and nettle interventions reduce fasting insulin and glucose levels, but reducing retinol levels bound to protein 4, exercise and nettle interventions are needed.