The Effect of 12 Weeks of Combined Training with Nettle Supplementation on IL-18 and IL-10 Levels in Women with Type 2 Diabetes

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Assistant Professor of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Maragheh University, Maragheh, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: Inflammatory factors are recognized as playing a significant role in the development of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise with anti-inflammatory effects has been shown to reduce mild systemic inflammation in type 2 diabetes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined exercise and nettle supplementation on IL-18 and IL-10 levels, as well as glucose and insulin resistance, in women with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Sixty women with type 2 diabetes voluntarily participated in the study and were divided into four groups: 1) Combined training (Com), 2) Nettle supplementation (NS), 3) Combined training + Nettle supplementation (Com+NS), and 4) Control group. The participants in the training group performed resistance training (40-70% 1 repetition maximum) and aerobic interval training (60-75% maximum heart rate) three sessions per week for 12 weeks. Serum levels of fasting blood glucose, insulin, HbA1c, IL-18, IL-10, and the insulin resistance index were measured. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: There was a significant reduction in insulin, fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, and IL-18 levels in the Com, NS, and Com+NS groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, IL-10 levels were significantly increased in the Com, NS, and Com+NS groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that both combined training and nettle supplementation are effective for blood glucose control and reducing inflammation. Furthermore, the combination of both methods is more effective for glycemic control in patients with diabetes.

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References

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Journal of Nutrition,Fasting and Health
Volume 14, Issue 1
March 2026
Pages 58-67

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History

  • Receive Date: 16 February 2025
  • Revise Date: 01 June 2025
  • Accept Date: 03 June 2025

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