Effects of Nigella sativa Supplementation with Combined Exercise on Musculoskeletal Performance and Blood Fructosamine Levels in Male Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: This study evaluated the effects of combined exercise (CE) alone and CE combined with Nigella sativa (NS) supplementation on musculoskeletal performance and blood fructosamine levels in male patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Ninety male patients were randomly allocated to one of three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio: a non-exercise comparator (Diabetes), a Diabetes + CE group, or a Diabetes + CE + NS group (n = 30 per group). NS was administered orally (2 g/day) for four weeks. Functional performance outcomes included the six-minute walk test, timed up-and-go test, handgrip strength, and sit-to-stand repetitions. Glycemic control was assessed using blood fructosamine at baseline and after four weeks. Results: Both intervention groups showed significant improvements in all functional outcomes and significant reductions in BMI and fructosamine compared with the non-exercise comparator group (p < 0.05). Post-intervention blood fructosamine was significantly lower in the CE + NS group than in the CE group (p = 0.002). Conclusions: CE significantly improved musculoskeletal performance and short-term glycemic control. The addition of NS appeared to confer additional benefits, particularly on glycemic control and upper- and lower-limb strength, although results should be interpreted with consideration of the short intervention duration, the male-only sample, and reliance on BMI as the body composition measure.