Introduction: Exercise and drug interactions, especially supplements, are among the best approaches to improve the condition of diabetics. The aim of the present study was to the effect of symbiotic supplements and aerobic exercise on arterial stiffness and serum Adropin levels in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes.
Methods: In this semi experimental study, 39 women with type 2 diabetes were randomly divided into three groups: aerobic exercise + placebo, aerobic exercise + synbiotic supplement, and synbiotic supplement. The duration of the exercise program was 12 weeks. Subjects in the supplement group consumed one synbiotic capsule one hour after having lunch. ANOVA test was used to check the inter-group difference and Bonferroni's post hoc test.
Results: The findings of the present study showed that the serum levels of adropin, brachial ankle index and cardiovascular ankle index increased significantly in the group of aerobic exercise + placebo and aerobic exercise + synbiotic supplement. LDL serum levels were significantly reduced in the group of aerobic exercise + synbiotic supplement. Other findings of the present study include the increase of HDL serum levels in all three groups and the maximum oxygen consumption index in two exercise groups. Also, serum levels of triglyceride, cholesterol, fasting glucose, insulin, insulin resistance index, BMI and body fat percentage did not show any significant difference in any of the groups.
Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, it is possible to recommend the use of aerobic exercise program along with synbiotic supplement for type 2 diabetic women.