Iranian journal of diabetes and metabolism

The Combined Effect of Exercise Training and Cinnamon Supplementation on Glycemic Indices in Obese Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Khadijeh Molaei, Mehdi Mogharnasi, Omid Zafarmand — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:16:44 +0000

Background: Obesity is one of the causes of diabetes. On the other hand, exercise along with cinnamon supplementation has been recommended as an important approach for controlling and preventing obesity and its related complications, such as diabetes and insulin resistance. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the combined effect of exercise training and cinnamon supplementation on glycemic indices in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Methods: A systematic search of English and Persian articles published in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Magiran, Google Scholar, NorMags, Irandoc, and SID databases was conducted up to January 2025. In data analysis, a randomeffects model was used to calculate the weighted mean difference (WMD), standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Also, heterogeneity of studies was assessed with the I² test.

Results: In total, 11 studies involving 230 participants with obesity and type 2 diabetes were meta-analyzed. The results indicated that the combination of exercise training and cinnamon supplementation significantly reduced glucose (WMD = -13.317 [95% CI: -19.599 to -7.034]; P = 0.001) and insulin resistance (WMD = -1.098 [95% CI: -1.577 to -0.618]; P = 0.001) compared to the control group in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, insulin levels did not show a significant change (WMD = -2.123 [95% CI: -4.333 to 0.088]; P = 0.060).

Conclusion: The results of the present meta-analysis demonstrated that the combination of exercise training and cinnamon supplementation improves glucose and insulin resistance in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes. These beneficial effects are not accompanied by changes in insulin levels.

Exercise Interventions and Sexual Function in Men with Type 2 Diabetes: A Multidimensional Narrative Review of Mechanisms, Clinical Evidence, and Practical Applications

Babak Hooshmand Moghadam — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:22:05 +0000

Background: Sexual dysfunction is a prevalent, underdiagnosed, and impactful complication of type 2 diabetes in men, involving multiple physiological, psychological, and social dimensions. This narrative review aimed to comprehensively examine the current evidence regarding the role of exercise interventions in improving sexual function among men with type 2 diabetes through a multidimensional lens.

Methods: A narrative review was conducted based on a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. Eligible studies included clinical trials, systematic reviews, and basic research focused on exercise and sexual function in men with diabetes. The analysis addressed physiological mechanisms, clinical outcomes, psychological factors, and research gaps.

Results: The evidence suggests that exercise improves sexual function in men with type 2 diabetes through multiple pathways, including enhanced insulin sensitivity, increased testosterone levels, improved penile vascular function, and psychological benefits such as reduced performance anxiety, depression, and improved body image. The type, intensity, and duration of exercise were found to be crucial in determining the outcomes. This review also identified significant research gaps, such as the lack of long-term trials and limited focus on neurohormonal mechanisms.

Conclusion: It seems that exercise is a safe, non-pharmacological, and effective intervention with substantial potential to improve sexual function in men with type 2 diabetes. The findings of this review can inform integrated therapeutic protocols and guide clinical practices aimed at enhancing sexual health in this population. A personalized exercise approach, supported by a multidisciplinary team, is recommended as part of formal care for diabetic men experiencing sexual dysfunction.

Neurocognitive Correlates of Decision Making; Review of Literature and Designing a Conceptual Model Neurocognitive Insights into Decision Making

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:30:03 +0000

Background: Decision-making is a cognitive process with complex neural underpinnings, fundamental to all human behavior. This study reviewed existing research to present a comprehensive model of this process, integrating the functions of specific brain regions with cognitive and emotional factors to create a complete framework.

Methods: Using a qualitative approach, we conducted a literature review across reputable databases. Neurocognitive factors were extracted and validated through a series of expert panel sessions with eight specialists. The final conceptual model was designed, and its validity was confirmed through a multi-stage consensus process.

Results: The model provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the neurocognitive mechanisms of decisionmaking. It integrates cognitive, emotional, and motivational factors—such as intention, emotion, and cognitive reserve— to explain how choices are made and outcomes are evaluated. The model emphasizes the key roles of the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system, and demonstrates how external stimuli influence this process.

Conclusion: This validated model offers an integrated framework for the decision-making process, highlighting the interplay between key brain regions and cognitive and emotional factors. The model has important applications in education, psychotherapy, and designing interventions to improve decision-making skills

The Effect of Physical Activity on Serum Asprosin Levels in Healthy Obese Men and Women: A Systematic Review

Saeed Mamli, Haniye Mardalizade, Rahman Soori — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:33:17 +0000

Background: Regular physical activity is recognized as one of the most effective clinical interventions for reducing Asprosin levels in individuals with obesity. The present review aimed to investigate the effects of physical exercise on serum Asprosin levels in healthy obese men and women.

Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate up to February 2025. Inclusion criteria comprised studies involving healthy obese adults as participants, with interventions consisting of structured physical activity or exercise protocols. Studies including individuals with normal weight or overweight, or those using dietary supplements, were excluded. Ultimately, six studies met the eligibility criteria. Extracted data included participant characteristics, type and intensity of intervention, exercise duration, and the method of serum Asprosin measurement. Study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale.

Results: A total of six studies examining various types of physical activity—including high-intensity resistance training, aerobic exercise, and combined exercise-dietary interventions—were included. All studies reported that regular physical activity led to reductions in serum Asprosin levels in healthy obese men and women. Despite differences in intervention type and intensity, the overall trend consistently indicated a decrease in Asprosin levels. Due to heterogeneity in study design, intervention type, and duration, a meta-analysis was not feasible, and results were summarized qualitatively.

Conclusion: The findings of this review suggest that high-intensity resistance training has the most pronounced effect on lowering Asprosin levels. Furthermore, combined interventions, such as aerobic-resistance training alongside dietary modifications, demonstrated the greatest impact on reducing Asprosin. Regular physical activity, particularly when performed at higher intensities, plays a crucial role in obesity management through Asprosin reduction.

Implementation of Iran’s National Plan on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases and Their Risk Factors: A Scoping Review of the Evidence

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:41:10 +0000

Background: National Document for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Related Risk Factors, developed in 2015, serves as Iran’s roadmap for guiding health policies to manage NCDs. After a decade, assessing its implementation and progress is essential. We aimed to review and synthesize existing evidence on the implementation status of the document’s interventions, and identify facilitators, barriers, and strategies to enhance its execution.

Methods: Following the PRISMA-ScR 2020 checklist, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SID databases, Google Scholar, organizational repositories, and reference lists of related studies in Persian and English. Research or review studies that evaluated at least one objective or intervention of the national document—using health or health system indicators in Iran—were included. Three researchers independently performed screening and data extraction. Data were analyzed narratively and organized into thematic categories.

Results: Overall, 78 studies, reports, and national documents were included. Implemented actions encompassed establishing committees, developing action plans, integrating services into the health system, revising standards, producing educational materials, launching registries, and signing multisectoral cooperation agreements. Facilitators included legal support, intersectoral collaboration capacities, service delivery structures, and community capabilities. Major challenges were deficiencies in the national document, limited resources, weak coordination, and external disruptions such as COVID-19 and sanctions. Recommended strategies emphasized strengthening cost-effective interventions, continuous monitoring, securing sustainable resources, improving service delivery models, and enhancing multi-sectoral approaches.

Conclusion: Successful implementation of NCD prevention and control policies requires evidence-informed policymaking, prioritization of cost-effective interventions, ongoing evaluation, and sustained managerial support.

The Artificial Intelligence Extended Hybrid Model Based on Metabolic and Fertility Data for Early Diagnosing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Iranian Fertile and Infertile Women and Providing Healthy Lifestyle Recommendations

Zahra Arab Taheri Zadeh, Valiollah Dabidi Roshan, Tayebeh Gharaei — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:44:16 +0000

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with metabolic, hormonal, and genetic disorders. The lack of defined biomarkers makes diagnosis difficult. High-accuracy hybrid models enable early diagnosis. The aim of the present study is to train a hybrid model with metabolic and reproductive indicators for early diagnosis and provide healthy lifestyle strategies.

Methods: Data from 7000 fertile and infertile women and those without PCOS were processed, and then a dataset of 550 women was prepared, and 7, 10 and 15 subsets of important features were selected using random forest (RF) and were used to train hybrid models Voting classifier, LG, SVC, XGBoost.

Results: After selecting three groups of important features and training the models, the Voting classifier model could diagnose PCOS with an accuracy of over 95%. Anti-Mullerian (AMH) is considered an important diagnostic tool. In addition, sex hormones and markers such as fasting glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, vitamin D3, and thyroid hormones can be used for early diagnosis of this syndrome.

Conclusion: It is possible to identify polycystic ovary syndrome using machine learning models without expensive highprecision tests, which will help doctors and clinicians make informed decisions and reduce harmful messages.

The Effectiveness of Six Weeks of HIIT and HIFT Training on Physiological Variables and Functional Capacity of Untrained, Obese and Overweight Adolescents

Mahmood Darvishi, Vahid Valipour Dehnou, Rasoul Eslami — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:47:30 +0000

Background: Childhood obesity is linked to adult obesity and chronic diseases. Therefore, this study investigates the effects of High-intensity functional training (HIFT) and High-intensity interval training (HIIT) on physiological variables and functional capacity in overweight and obese, untrained adolescents.

Methods: Thirty overweight and obese adolescents were randomly assigned to three equal groups: control [14.30 ± 0.82 years, body mass index (BMI)= 30.23 ± 2.11], HIIT (14.10 ± 0.87 years, BMI= 29.17 ± 2.51), and HIFT (13.40 ± 0.82 years, BMI= 29.42 ± 2.56). Participants in the experimental groups followed an HIIT and HIFT training protocol for six weeks. Before and after the intervention, anthropometric indices and serum levels of leptin and omentin were measured. Data were analyzed using mixed ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc tests.

Results: HIFT significantly reduced body weight and BMI compared to the control group (P< 0.05), while HIIT showed no significant effect (P> 0.05). Serum leptin levels were significantly lower in both experimental groups compared to the control group (P< 0.01). Notably, only HIFT significantly increased omentin levels compared to the control group (P< 0.001). No significant effect was observed on the waist-to-hip ratio (P> 0.05).

Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that both HIFT and HIIT can lead to improvements in anthropometric indices and serum levels of omentin and leptin in overweight and obese adolescents. However, HIFT appears to be a more effective intervention.

Effect of Curcumin Supplementation on the Intestinal Butyrogenic Bacteria Population in Obese Men Under Weight Loss Diet: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Controlled Clinical Trial

Ruqayyah Mansouri, Rasoul Shokri, Seyedeh Neda Mousavi, Davoud Afshar — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:51:06 +0000

Background: The present study investigated the effects of curcumin supplementation along with a weight loss diet on the relative abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria in the gut of metabolically healthy obese men.

Methods: In the present double-blinded controlled clinical trial, sixty metabolically healthy obese men (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) participated. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups receiving curcumin supplementation (500 mg, twice daily) or placebo. The duration of the intervention was eight weeks. The samples were matched for age and dietary intake before the study. Stool samples were collected at the beginning and end of the study and the relative abundance of bacteria was measured after DNA extraction.

Results: The relative abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in men undergoing placebo intervention decreased after 8 weeks (P= 0.04) and was significantly lower than that in the curcumin intervention group (P= 0.003). The mean changes in faecalibacterium prausnitzii increased in the curcumin while they decreased in the placebo group (P= 0.03). In addition, the mean changes in Roseburia intestinalis increased in the curcumin and decreased in the placebo group (P= 0.009).

Conclusion: Weight loss diet leads to a decrease in the relative abundance of butyrogenic bacteria in the gut of obese men, while curcumin supplementation can lead to an increase in the population of these bacteria, as one of the methods of treating obesity.