Related Experiment Videos
Abnormal glucoregulation during exercise in type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes
S H Schneider1, A K Khachadurian, L F Amorosa
1Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick 08903-0019.
Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Exercise lowers plasma glucose in type II diabetics, an effect not seen in controls. This hypoglycemic response to exercise persists even after physical training in diabetic patients.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Exercise Physiology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Type II diabetes is characterized by impaired glucose regulation.
- Exercise is often recommended for diabetes management, but its specific effects on glucose and hormone levels in type II diabetics require further investigation.
- Autonomic dysfunction is common in diabetic patients and may influence their response to physical activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of exercise on plasma glucose and glucoregulatory hormones in type II diabetic patients.
- To determine if 6 weeks of physical training alters these responses.
- To explore potential contributing factors to observed differences in exercise response.
Main Methods:
- 20 sedentary type II diabetic patients and 11 control subjects underwent assessments before and after a 6-week exercise program.
- Measurements included plasma glucose, insulin, epinephrine, growth hormone, and lactate levels at rest, during exercise, and during recovery.
- Autonomic function was assessed through R-R interval variation and heart rate response.
Main Results:
- Exercise acutely lowered plasma glucose in diabetic patients but not controls, with an atypical lack of insulin suppression in diabetics.
- These distinct glucose and insulin responses persisted after 6 weeks of physical training.
- Diabetic patients showed signs of autonomic dysfunction and a blunted hormonal response (epinephrine, growth hormone, lactate) to exercise post-training compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Exercise exerts a hypoglycemic effect in type II diabetic patients.
- Hyperglycemia, impaired insulin suppression, and autonomic dysfunction may contribute to this response.
- Physical training did not normalize the exercise-induced hormonal responses in this diabetic cohort.