COMBINED EFFECTS OF STRUCTURED EXERCISE AND HERBAL SUPPLEMENTATION ON GLYCEMIC CONTROL AND METABOLIC PARAMETERS IN INDIVIDUALS WITH PREDIABETES: A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Background: Prediabetes, characterized by impaired glucose regulation, affects 38% of adults and represents a crucial intervention opportunity before type 2 diabetes development. Exercise interventions demonstrate significant efficacy in improving glycemic control, while herbal supplementation shows glucose-lowering properties through enhanced insulin sensitivity and reduced glucose absorption. Limited research has evaluated the combined effects of these interventions despite their effects which is being targeted in current study.

Methodology: 40 participants were selected based upon eligibility criteria for current pilot trial. After recruitment, the participants were equally randomized into 4 groups using sealed opague envelopes with group name. The participants in group A received aerobic exercises, in group B received herbal supplementation, in group C received combined intervention and group D received no intervention (Control group). The outcome measures were HbA1c and OGTT values at 30 minutes after 75 g glucose intake, assessed at baseline and Day 28 (Post test). The data was recorded, tabulated, analysed and results were interpreted.

Results: Within the group analysis revealed significant differences between Day 0 and Day 28 for HbA1c and OGTT values in Group A, B and C but no differences were observed in Group D. In between the group analysis revealed significant differences for post test values between all the 4 groups for HbA1c (F = 14.865, p < 0.001) and OGTT (F = 15.559, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: This pilot study provides promising evidence for the individual and combined efficacy of structured moderate to vigrous aerobic exercise and herbal supplementation in improving glycemic control among individuals with prediabetes, while highlighting the need for larger-scale, longer-duration studies to establish definitive clinical guidelines and optimal treatment protocols.