Effect of Eight Weeks High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Caffeine Intake on Glycemic Indices and Insulin Resistance in Wistar Diabetic Male Rats

Background & Aim: The supplements and exercise training are used to diabetes control. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks high intensity interval training and caffeine intake on glycemic indices and insulin resistance in diabetic rats. Methods: In a quasi-experimental study, 50 Wistar diabetic male rats were randomly divided into five groups including control, diabetic control, diabetic + supplement, diabetic + exercise and diabetic + exercise + supplement. Training was planned for 8 weeks and 5 sessions weekly. In the supplement groups, caffeine was administered at the dose of 70 mg/kg, five days weekly for 8 weeks. 48 hours after the last training session, fasting serum glucose, insulin levels, insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity were measured. Data were analyzed using ANOVA method (P <0.05). Results: The results showed a significant decrease in glucose and a significant increase in insulin levels in the two groups of diabetes and in the diabetic + supplement + exercise group compared to the diabetic control group (P =0.001). Diabetic + exercise group showed more effects on insulin resistance than diabetic control group (P =0.001), but this difference was not significant in comparison with other groups (P =0.85). The highest increase of insulin sensitivity was observed in the diabetic + supplement group (P =0.007). Conclusion: It seems that caffeine can improve blood glucose level, insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity in rats with type 2 diabetes. Also, HIIT exercises can reduce insulin resistance and be used as an intervention in diabetes.