Impact of aerobic and resistance training supplemented with the consumption of saffron on glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde in men with type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that associated with increased serum glucose and insulin function impairment. Exercise training and saffron supplement are known as two effective factors in the prevention of the complications of type 2 diabetes. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of eight weeks of aerobic and resistance training with the consumption of saffron aqueous extract on malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase in men with type 2 diabetes. In this clinical trial study, 36 men suffering from type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned into six groups: placebo, aerobic training, aerobic training with supplement consumption, resistance training, and resistance training with supplement consumption. Aerobic training was performed at 50-70% of maximal heart rate, and the resistance training was performed at 65-70% of the maximum replication for eight weeks. The saffron supplement was consumed at the dosage of 3 mg day-1. The concentration of malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase was measured before and after the trial after the 12-hour fasting period. Level of malondialdehyde significantly reduced in placebo and aerobic training with supplement prior to intervention (P<0.05). Level of glutathione peroxidase were significantly increased in aerobic training with supplement (P<0.05), resistance training (P<0.05) and resistance training with supplement (P<0.05) groups after intervention. Aerobic and resistance training and their supplementation with saffron consumption can be regarded as an effective method to improve the peroxidase and antioxidant balance.