Does Exercise Affect Mitochondrial Function and Insulin Sensitivity?

Abstract

Skeletal muscle has an important role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. Several studies have found that insulin action may be related to the oxidative capacity of skeletal muscle. Aerobic exercises improve both insulin sensitivity and activity of oxidative enzymes in muscle. Individuals with insulin resistance, obesity or type 2 diabetes were found to have lower muscle oxidative enzyme activity. There are some hypotheses claiming that insulin infusion stimulates the mitochondrial protein synthesis rate in skeletal muscle. The effects of exercise on mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin sensitivity are summarized and discussed in this review.

Keywords

• insulin sensitivity
• mitochondrial dysfunction
• exercise