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Circadian clocks and insulin resistance
Dirk Jan Stenvers1, Frank A J L Scheer2,3, Patrick Schrauwen4
1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Nature Reviews. Endocrinology
|December 12, 2018
Summary
Circadian disruption, caused by factors like shift work and poor sleep, contributes to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Restoring circadian alignment may improve metabolic health.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Metabolic Health
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Insulin resistance is a key factor in type 2 diabetes, impacting morbidity and mortality.
- The body's circadian timing system, with central and peripheral clocks, regulates daily glucose metabolism.
- Disruptions to this system can affect insulin sensitivity, glucose absorption, and insulin secretion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological connections between circadian clocks and glucose metabolism.
- To examine evidence linking circadian disruption to insulin resistance.
- To propose chronobiology-based strategies for improving metabolic health.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of physiological links between circadian clocks and glucose metabolism.
- Analysis of current evidence on circadian disruption and insulin resistance.
- Synthesis of findings to propose health strategies.
Main Results:
- The central circadian clock influences food intake, energy expenditure, and whole-body insulin sensitivity.
- Peripheral clocks in organs like the gut, muscle, liver, and pancreas fine-tune local metabolic processes.
- Factors such as shift work, artificial light, and disturbed sleep can cause circadian misalignment, contributing to insulin resistance.
Conclusions:
- Circadian disruption is a significant factor in the development of insulin resistance.
- Understanding the interplay between circadian rhythms and metabolism is crucial for metabolic health.
- Chronobiological interventions hold potential for improving human metabolic health and preventing type 2 diabetes.
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