Background: The effect of physical activity on blood factors and hematological system has been well proven. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of glucose consumption on lipid levels, insulin, blood fibrinogen, and plasma viscosity after a session of aerobic exercise in young college men.

Materials and methods: Totally, 16 young college men (mean age 21.8±2.3 years) were selected and randomly divided into two groups of glucose and placebo. One-mile run was administered to the subjects with the intensity of 75% of maximum heart rate in three consecutive sets with three minutes inter-sets rest. The glucose group received 1.5 g of glucose, while the second group received an equal volume of solution (3.5 ml of water per kg of body weight). In both groups, blood samples were collected in order to measure hematological parameters, insulin resistance, and lipid profile, just before the activity and also 30, 60, and 90 minutes after it.

Results: In both groups, there was no significant change (compared to baseline) in plasma glucose levels after exercise (p=0.671). Also, it was observed no difference between the two groups in glucose levels (p≤0.05). In glucose group after the exercise, insulin level and insulin resistance had a significant increase compared to baseline and also compared with placebo group (p=0.001). Also, the levels of fibrinogen and plasma viscosity decreased in both groups after exercise (p<0.001). Lipid profile had no change in all samples (p≤0.05).

Conclusion: It seems that aerobic exercise with the intervention of glucose consumption resulted in favorable changes in some rheological parameters. These changes can be helpful in the prevention of cardiovascular risk factors.