Effects of Swimming Exercise and L-Carnitine Administration on Insulin Resistance in Juvenile Obese Rats with Type 2 Diabetes

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is one of the most common health problems today and is known to cause insulin resistance due to diabetes mellitus (DM). Many treatment methods are still being tested. This study aimed to examine in detail the beneficial effects of exercise (EXE) and L-carnitine (LC) on insulin resistance associated with type 2 DM (DM-2). METHODS: Twenty-four obese male Wistar Albino rats with DM-2 were divided into four groups: DCG, LCG, SEG, and SE+LCG. A 12-week SE and LC administration protocol was applied in the study. Blood serum glucose levels were measured using a blood glucose meter, and insulin levels were determined by an ELISA test. The obtained OD values were used to calculate insulin resistance using the HOMA-IR method. Paired Samples T Test and One-Way ANOVA were used in statistical analyses. RESULTS: Except for the DCG group, all rats showed significant improvements in body weight, blood glucose levels, and insulin resistance levels. However, no statistically significant differences were found in HOMA-IR values within or between the groups. DISCUSSION: In disorders observed in juvenile obese rats with Type 2 Diabetes, the combined use of LC and Sbe more effective in enhancing fat burning and facilitating weight loss compared to LC and SE programs applied separately. CONCLUSION: LC and SE are effective in reducing obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, and associated insulin resistance levels. Further studies are needed in this field to evaluate the effects of different exercise modalities, treatment types, and durations.