Whole-Body Cryotherapy Improves Asprosin Secretion and Insulin Sensitivity in Postmenopausal Women–Perspectives in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a global problem. The effect of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) on metabolism in humans is postulated. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of WBC on asprosin concentrations, glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance in postmenopausal women with T2DM. Changes in fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, asprosin, insulin-resistance indices (HOMA-IR, Quicki), the triglyceride–glucose index (TyG) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined. Determination was carried out after 30 WBCs (3 min, −120 °C), applied in six series of five treatments, with 2-day breaks in postmenopausal women with T2DM and the results were compared to changes in postmenopausal women without T2DM (CON). Blood was collected before 1 WBC (T0), after 30 WBCs (T1) and 2 weeks after their completion (T2). In the T2DM group, there was a significant decrease in FBG and HbA1c in T1 and T2, as well as a significant decrease in insulin, HOMA-IR and CRP, and an increase in the Quicki index in T2. In the CON group, the concentration of asprosin at T2 was significantly lower than at T0. There was a significantly positive correlation between asprosin and FBG and HOMA-IR, and a trend towards a decrease of asprosin concentration in T2 in postmenopausal women with T2DM.

Keywords

• cryostimulation
• glucose intolerance
• hormonal regulation
• adipokines
• menopause
• diabetes therapy