Exploring the effect of broccoli on some cardiovascular risk factors and insulin resistance with combined aerobic-resistance exercise training in men with type 2 diabetes

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of mortality in developing countries. The aim of this study was to investigate The effect of broccoli powder supplementation along with combined exercise training on some cardiovascular risk factors and insulin resistance in men with type 2 diabetes.

For this purpose, 44 volunteer diabetic men after homogenization based on individual characteristics were randomly divided into 4 groups of 11 individuals including exercise-supplement group, exercise-placebo group (exercise), control-supplement group (supplement), control-placebo (controls. Combined exercise program included 12 weeks, three sessions per week. Broccoli supplement was also 10 grams per day for 12 weeks.

Between analysis showed that there was a significant difference between the groups of control with another groups in fibrinogen (P=0.008), viscosity (P=0.029) and insulin resistance (P=0.007). Significant changes in the measured indices were also observed in the within-group of supplement, exercise and exercise-supplement changes (P <0.05).

The results of this study showed that 12 weeks of combined exercise with broccoli supplement significantly reduced fibrinogen, viscosity, blood glucose and insulin resistance in all three groups of exercise- supplement, exercise and supplement. Therefore, incorporating broccoli into the diet can partially prevent the risky effects of type 2 diabetes.