How does exercise accelerate glucose uptake in diabetes?

In summary: Your article focused on glucose transporters, particularly GLUT4 and also insulin receptor substrates (IRS1 and IRS2). I also found an article in the Wikipedia regarding GLUT4 which states that GLUT4 tends to move to the cell surface from the interior with muscle contraction. This would establish a direct link between exercise and intracellular glucose transport. I don't usually link to the Wiki, but this short article is easy to read, is well referenced and carries no warnings from Wiki editors.
  • #1
sodium.dioxid
51
0
We're usually just told that exercise is a great way to stimulate the movement of glucose into cells. But how does it do that? I would think that insulin resistance is insulin resistance, exercise or no exercise.
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #3
Yanick said:
It's fairly complicated but the take-away is that there are multiple mechanisms for improving blood sugar control, insulin sensitivity being a piece of the puzzle.

http://stke.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/vj_pnas;97/1/38

This study (above), while interesting and informative, does not specifically address the issue of insulin resistance in humans. It's long been held that diet and exercise with weight loss can at least partially reverse insulin resistance. The linked study below does demonstrate that a single bout of exercise can decrease de novo hepatic production of lipids and triglycerides after a high carbohydrate meal as it reverse skeletal muscle insulin resistance in human volunteers. Insulin resistance is present before the appearance of overt type 2 diabetes and its early reversal with diet and exercise may prevent its development.

http://www.pnas.org/content/108/33/13705.full

"In this regard, insulin resistance, localized to skeletal muscle, has been hypothesized to cause atherogenic dyslipidemia and NAFLD by changing the pattern of storage of ingested carbohydrate away from skeletal muscle glycogen synthesis into hepatic de novo lipogenesis, resulting in an increase in plasma triglyceride concentrations, reduction in plasma high-density lipoprotein concentrations and increased liver triglyceride synthesis in healthy, young, lean insulin resistant individuals (3). This hypothesis has important implications for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and NAFLD associated with the metabolic syndrome in that it implicates skeletal muscle insulin resistance as a primary therapeutic target."

NAFLD: Non alcoholic fatty liver disease.
 
Last edited:
  • #4
SW VandeCarr said:
This study (above), while interesting and informative, does not specifically address the issue of insulin resistance in humans. It's long been held that diet and exercise with weight loss can at least partially reverse insulin resistance. The linked study below does demonstrate that a single bout of exercise can decrease de novo hepatic production of lipids and triglycerides after a high carbohydrate meal as it reverse skeletal muscle insulin resistance in human volunteers. Insulin resistance is present before the appearance of overt type 2 diabetes and its early reversal with diet and exercise may prevent its development.

http://www.pnas.org/content/108/33/13705.full
NAFLD: Non alcoholic fatty liver disease.

I agree, though I haven't read the paper(s) very carefully. Very busy lately. My point was simply to show how complicated glucose homeostasis can be especially in the context of exercising. My introduction into science came through fitness/bodybuilding/powerlifting/Olympic lifting, so I am aware, if not fully up to date, on the complexities of topics such as the one here.
 
  • #5
Yanick said:
I agree, though I haven't read the paper(s) very carefully. Very busy lately. My point was simply to show how complicated glucose homeostasis can be especially in the context of exercising.

It's a good paper. The fundamental problem seems to be a relative deficiency of skeletal muscle glycogen with insulin resistance. Research seems to have focused on three likely targets for possible therapeutic intervention regarding intracellular mechanisms for insulin resistance: glycogen synthase, hexokinase II (involved in producing glucose-6 phosphate) and glucose transport. The weight of the evidence according to this article (below) favors the last as the rate limiting step in glycogen synthesis.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC314317/

Your article focused on glucose transporters, particularly GLUT4 and also insulin receptor substrates (IRS1 and IRS2). I also found an article in the Wikipedia regarding GLUT4 which states that GLUT4 tends to move to the cell surface from the interior with muscle contraction. This would establish a direct link between exercise and intracellular glucose transport. I don't usually link to the Wiki, but this short article is easy to read, is well referenced and carries no warnings from Wiki editors.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GLUT4
 
Last edited:

1. How does exercise help with glucose uptake in diabetes?

Exercise increases the body's demand for energy, which stimulates the uptake of glucose from the blood to be used for fuel by the muscles. This helps to lower blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes.

2. What types of exercise are most effective for increasing glucose uptake in diabetes?

Aerobic exercises such as walking, running, cycling, and swimming are most effective for increasing glucose uptake in diabetes. These activities require sustained muscle contractions and use a significant amount of energy, leading to a higher demand for glucose uptake.

3. How long does it take for exercise to have an effect on glucose uptake in diabetes?

The effects of exercise on glucose uptake can vary depending on factors such as intensity and duration of the workout, as well as an individual's overall health and fitness level. In general, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours for exercise to have an impact on blood sugar levels.

4. Can exercise alone manage diabetes without medication?

While exercise can be extremely beneficial in managing diabetes, it is not a substitute for medication. People with diabetes should always consult with their healthcare team to determine the best course of treatment, which may include a combination of medication, diet, and exercise.

5. Are there any precautions or guidelines to follow when exercising with diabetes?

It is important for individuals with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels before, during, and after exercise. It is also recommended to have a snack on hand in case of low blood sugar levels. Additionally, it is important to stay hydrated and choose appropriate exercises based on one's overall health and any potential complications related to diabetes.

Similar threads

  • Biology and Medical
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
32
Views
2K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
11
Views
6K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
2
Views
402
  • General Discussion
Replies
6
Views
844
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Back
Top