Aims

Diabetes is one of the main causes of mortality in developing countries. Performing physical activity in various ways and different environments using herbal supplements can be used as a non-pharmacological solution to prevent and improve diabetes. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effects of eight weeks of cold water swimming exercise training combined with cinnamon supplementation on HbA1C (Hemoglobin A1c) levels, TBC1D1 (TBC1 domain family member 1), and TBC1D4 (TBC1 Domain Family Member 4) in diabetic rats.

Materials and methods

Ninety-one rats (n = 78 diabetic, n = 13 healthy) were divided into seven groups (n = 13 per group): (1) healthy control (HC), (2) diabetic control (DC), (3) swimming training in cold water (5 °C) (S5), (4) swimming training in cold water (5 °C) with a cinnamon supplementation (200 mg/kg body weight) (S5+Ci), (5) swimming training in warm water (36-35 °C) (S35), (6) swimming training in warm water (35–36 °C) with a cinnamon supplementation (S35+Ci), and (7) a cinnamon supplementation only (Ci). To evaluate the hypothesis, a one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test were used.

Results

Findings showed that the TBC1D1 and TBC1D4 levels in the DC and S35 groups were higher than in the HC group (p < 0.001). Also, swimming training in cold water (5 °C) with cinnamon supplementation (S5+Ci) decreased the level of TBC1D1, TBC1D4, HbA1c, and glucose compared to other groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The study revealed that the combination of swimming training in cold water and cinnamon consumption led to a significant reduction in TBC1D1, TBC1D4, and HbA1c. Therefore, this non-traditional exercise approach coupled with cinnamon supplementation can be considered an effective method for improving insulin sensitivity, fasting blood glucose, and HbA1c levels and is proposed as an optimal method to improve glucose indices.