Combined Effect of Punica Granatum Linn Intake and Aerobic Exercise on Blood Glucose in Prediabetic Patients

Background: Punica granatum linn juice (pomegranate juice) has been widely used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The effect of adding Punica Granatum Linn intake to aerobic exercise on blood glucose was not studied before. The aim of the work: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adding the intake of pomegranate juice (PJ) to aerobic exercise on blood glucose in prediabetic patients. Patients and Methods: Overweight women (n=40) with prediabetes participated in this study with ages ranged from 50-60 years old. Patients were randomly assigned into one of two groups; study and control groups. The study group (n=20) received 40-minute aerobic exercise thrice weekly plus oral intake of PJ twice daily while the control group (n=20) received the aerobic exercise. Both groups received a hypocaloric diet for 12 weeks.. Patients' fasting blood glucose (FBG) was assessed in both groups after 12 weeks. Results: A significant improvement (p < 0.001) of FBG was documented within both groups but the better level of improvement was detected in the study group. Post-treatment between-group comparison of FBG showed a significant improvement (p < 0.001) in the direction of the study group. Conclusion: It could be concluded from this trial that adding 12-week intake of PJ to lifestyle-modification program is more effective than the lifestyle-modification program alone in improving blood glucose in prediabetic patients.