A study by the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen University Hospital, and Helmholtz Munich reveals the positive impact of exercise on brain insulin sensitivity, specifically in severely overweight adults.
This new insight could pave the way for more targeted therapeutic interventions for obesity and diabetes.
The study involved 21 participants, 14 women and 7 men, aged 21–59 years with a BMI ranging from 27.5 to 45.5.
Researchers used functional MRI scans to gauge brain insulin sensitivity before and after an eight-week exercise program focused on endurance training.
Major Findings
Improved Insulin Sensitivity: The exercise regimen led to an increase in the brain’s insulin action, bringing it to the level of a person with a healthy weight.
Change in Brain Activity: Enhanced insulin-stimulated activity was observed in brain regions that handle perceptions of hunger, satiety, as well as motivation, reward, and emotion.
Metabolic and Appetite Benefits: Enhanced brain insulin sensitivity had a positive impact on metabolism. Participants reported reduced feelings of hunger and also saw a reduction in unhealthy visceral fat.
Implications
Reversibility of Insulin Resistance: The study suggests that insulin resistance in the brain, which negatively affects metabolism and eating behavior, may be reversible through exercise.
New Therapeutic Avenues: The findings indicate that improving brain insulin sensitivity could be a valuable strategy for mitigating obesity and reducing the risk factors for Type 2 diabetes.
Global Health Impact: Given the escalating prevalence of obesity and diabetes, the study could have far-reaching implications for public health strategies focused on prevention and treatment.
The authors point out the need for additional controlled intervention studies to validate these findings and to delve deeper into the underlying mechanisms.
This would ascertain whether improving brain insulin sensitivity in people at high risk for Type 2 diabetes genuinely impacts metabolism and cognitive function in the long term.
Key takeaways
The study is groundbreaking in highlighting the link between physical exercise and brain insulin sensitivity.
It adds to the body of evidence suggesting that lifestyle changes like regular exercise could play a crucial role in tackling metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about Vitamin D and type 2 diabetes, and what you need to know about avocado and type 2 diabetes.
For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies about How to eat to prevent type 2 diabetes and 5 vitamins that may prevent complications in diabetes.
The study was published in JCI Insight.
Follow us on Twitter for more articles about this topic.
Copyright © 2023 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
