Effect of Cinnamon Bark Extract and Moderate-Intensity Swimming Exercises on Fasting Blood Glucose Levels in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Model Rats: A Comparative Experimental Study

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia due to impaired insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Its prevalence continues to increase and can lead to various complications, making it a major global public health problem. Blood glucose control can be achieved through pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, including herbal ingredients and physical activity. This study aimed to analyze the effect of cinnamon bark extract and moderate-intensity swimming exercise on fasting blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetic model rats. This experimental study with a comparative design involved 15 diabetic model rats, divided into three groups of five each: an untreated control group, a group receiving cinnamon bark extract orally at 120 mg/kg body weight/day, and a group undergoing moderate-intensity swimming exercise for 19 days. Fasting blood glucose levels were measured periodically and analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni post hoc test. Significant differences in fasting blood glucose were found between groups. The swimming group differed significantly from the untreated group (p = 0.007), with mean fasting blood glucose decreasing from 305.20 ± 159.37 mg/dL on day 4 to 118.00 ± 48.77 mg/dL on day 19. The cinnamon bark extract group showed no significant difference compared with the untreated group (p = 0.065) or the swimming group (p = 0.736). In conclusion, moderate-intensity swimming exercise significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels, whereas cinnamon bark extract at 120 mg/kg body weight/day for 19 days did not have a significant effect.