Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Combined Intravital Microscopy and Contrast-enhanced Ultrasonography of the Mouse Hindlimb to Study Insulin-induced Vasodilation and Muscle Perfusion
08:22

Combined Intravital Microscopy and Contrast-enhanced Ultrasonography of the Mouse Hindlimb to Study Insulin-induced Vasodilation and Muscle Perfusion

Published on: March 20, 2017

Skeletal muscle microvascular exchange capacity is associated with hyperglycaemia in subjects with central obesity

M Turzyniecka1, S H Wild, A J Krentz

  • 1School of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.

Diabetic Medicine : a Journal of the British Diabetic Association
|November 26, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Skeletal muscle microvascular function, measured as K(f), is strongly linked to glycated haemoglobin (HbA(1c)) levels. This finding suggests K(f) is a key indicator for glycaemic control in individuals at risk for Type 2 diabetes.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Health
  • Vascular Physiology

Background:

  • Poor glycaemic control elevates microvascular disease risk in organs like eyes and kidneys.
  • The link between glycated haemoglobin (HbA(1c)) and skeletal muscle microvascular function remains underexplored.
  • Central obesity and prediabetes increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between HbA(1c) and skeletal muscle microvascular exchange capacity (K(f)).
  • To assess the relationship in individuals with central obesity at risk for Type 2 diabetes.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 47 participants (28 women, 19 men) with central obesity, without diabetes.
  • Measurements included insulin sensitivity (hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp), body composition (MRI), cardiorespiratory fitness (VO(2) max), physical activity (METS), and skeletal muscle microvascular capacity (K(f)) via plethysmography.
  • Regression modeling was used to analyze associations.

Main Results:

  • HbA(1c) variance was initially explained by age, sex, and fasting plasma glucose (r(2) = 0.31).
  • Adding K(f) significantly increased explained variance in HbA(1c) (r(2) = 0.57, P = 0.0001).
  • Skeletal muscle microvascular capacity (K(f)) showed a strong, independent negative association with HbA(1c) (standardized B = -0.45, P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

  • A significant inverse relationship exists between skeletal muscle microvascular exchange capacity (K(f)) and HbA(1c).
  • K(f) independently predicts HbA(1c) levels, comparable in influence to fasting plasma glucose.
  • Skeletal muscle microvascular function is a crucial factor in glycaemic regulation, particularly in at-risk populations.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Glucose Uptake Measurement and Response to Insulin Stimulation in In Vitro Cultured Human Primary Myotubes08:03

Glucose Uptake Measurement and Response to Insulin Stimulation in In Vitro Cultured Human Primary Myotubes

Published on: June 25, 2017

Measurement of Insulin- and Contraction-Stimulated Glucose Uptake in Isolated and Incubated Mature Skeletal Muscle from Mice08:01

Measurement of Insulin- and Contraction-Stimulated Glucose Uptake in Isolated and Incubated Mature Skeletal Muscle from Mice

Published on: May 16, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology01:26

Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

Type 1 diabetes mellitus arises from an immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin. This process develops in genetically susceptible individuals when autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and immunologic dysregulation converge to trigger a targeted attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The β-cells are located within the islets of Langerhans and are essential for regulating blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of...
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology01:24

Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

PathophysiologyType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM ) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. It results from interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stressors, such as overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Insulin Resistance and Glucose DysregulationEarly T2DM involves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.
Hyperglycemia01:29

Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia is an abnormally high blood glucose level. It is diagnosed by fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL, 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (or OGTT) ≥200 mg/dL, random glucose ≥200 mg/dL with symptoms, or HbA1c ≥6.5%. However, HbA1c results may be unreliable in certain conditions, such as anemia or hemoglobinopathies, and the diagnosis should be confirmed unless classic symptoms are present. Postprandial hyperglycemia is typically considered significant when glucose levels exceed 180 mg/dL two...
Carbohydrate Metabolism01:36

Carbohydrate Metabolism

Carbohydrates are polymers composed of molecules containing atoms of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. One gram of carbohydrate can provide four kilo-calories of energy, which makes it the most efficient instant energy source.
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in the...
Pathophysiology of Diabetes01:20

Pathophysiology of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational

Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...