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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
08:01
Measurement of Insulin- and Contraction-Stimulated Glucose Uptake in Isolated and Incubated Mature Skeletal Muscle from Mice
Published on: May 16, 2021
Higher glucose uptake in paralysed spastic leg.
1Spinal Injuries Unit, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Goteborg, Sweden. gun-marie.bennegard@vgregion.se
Spinal Cord
|June 21, 2007
Summary
Spinal cord injury (SCI) may protect against diabetes by increasing glucose uptake in paralyzed legs, independent of insulin. This highlights unique metabolic adaptations in SCI individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Metabolic Research
- Physiology
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with increased risk of insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus.
- Factors contributing to this risk include reduced physical activity and sympathetic nervous system stimulation.
- However, conflicting data suggest potential protective mechanisms against diabetes in SCI individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare glucose uptake in the legs of individuals with SCI and spastic paralysis to that of able-bodied controls.
- To examine regional metabolic differences in glucose handling between the arms and legs.
Main Methods:
- An experimental controlled study comparing nine SCI subjects with ten age- and weight-matched controls.
- Measurements included plasma flow in arms and legs using strain gauge plethysmography.
- Analysis of arterial and venous plasma for glucose, insulin, and lactate under fasting conditions.
Main Results:
- Glucose uptake was significantly higher in the legs of SCI subjects compared to controls.
- Plasma flow was also elevated in the legs of SCI subjects.
- Able-bodied individuals demonstrated higher glucose uptake and lactate production in their arms compared to their legs.
Conclusions:
- Spasticity in SCI may confer protection against diabetes by promoting insulin-independent glucose uptake.
- Metabolic differences between the arms and legs in able-bodied individuals caution against generalizing findings from limb-specific measurements to whole-body metabolism.
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