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Introduction
Exercise improves metabolic control both via increasing muscle glucose uptake during muscle contractions by insulin-independent mechanisms and by increasing skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity after physical activity. A reduction in skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity is an early event in the development of not only prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes but is also associated with other conditions such as cardiovascular disease and some cancers.
One of the researchers that has been at the forefront of research in this area for many years is Professor Glenn McConell. In this episode we discuss glucose uptake during and after exercise, looking at both insulin-dependent and insulin-independent mechanisms. In addition we discuss the crucial importance of muscle insulin sensitivity and some important research breakthroughs on the topic.
Related resources
- Mentioned studies:
- Sjoberg et al., 2017 – Exercise Increases Human Skeletal Muscle Insulin Sensitivity via Coordinated Increases in Microvascular Perfusion and Molecular Signaling
- McConell et al., 2020 – Insulin-induced membrane permeability to glucose in human muscles at rest and following exercise
- McConell, 2020 – It’s well and truly time to stop stating that AMPK regulates glucose uptake and fat oxidation during exercise
- Bescos et al., 2018 – Four days of simulated shift work reduces insulin sensitivity in humans
- Inside Exercise Podcast:
- Exercise Metabolism (textbook)
- [02:02]Understanding chronotypes
- [06:26]Measuring chronotypes
- [15:12]Genetic and environmental influences on chronotypes
- [28:34]Health implications of chronotypes
- [52:21]Practical applications
Guest Information
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Glenn McConell is Emeritus Professor at Victoria University, where he previously was Professor of Exercise Metabolism. He has 30 years’ experience in exercise metabolism research and is internationally recognized in regard to the regulation of skeletal muscle glucose uptake in normal physiology and in diabetes. His research focuses on glucose metabolism and exercise. This work has included examining the factors that regulate skeletal muscle glucose uptake during exercise and the increase in insulin sensitivity after exercise. Prof. McConell is the host of the Inside Exercise podcast, where he interviews the biggest names in the world of sports science academia. He is also the editor of the renowned textbook ‘Exercise Metabolism’.
Danny Lennon has a master’s degree (MSc.) in Nutritional Sciences from University College Cork, and he is the founder of Sigma Nutrition.
Danny is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the Sports Nutrition Association, the global regulatory body responsible for the standardisation of best practice in the sports nutrition profession.
Introduction to this Episode
Exercise improves metabolic control both via increasing muscle glucose uptake during muscle contractions by insulin-independent mechanisms and by increasing skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity a er physical activity. A reduction in skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity is an early event in the development of not only prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes but is also associated with other conditions such as cardiovascular disease and some cancers.
One of the researchers that has been at the forefront of research in this area for many years is Professor Glenn McConell. In this episode, we discuss glucose uptake during and a er exercise, looking at both insulin-dependent and insulin-independent mechanisms. In addition, we discuss the crucial importance of muscle insulin sensitivity and some important research breakthroughs on the topic.
Connection to Previous Episodes
- In episode 385, we explored the causes of insulin resistance, and the dietary modifications that may help those with insulin resistance.
- In episode 286, James Morton, PhD discussed the use of carbohydrate periodization in elite sport setting, as well as the concept of ʻfueling for the work requiredʼ.
- In episode 282, Professor Louise Burke compared LCHF vs. High Carbohydrate vs. Periodized Carbohydrate diets for performance.
- In episode 185, Trent Stellingwerff, PhD was on the podcast to discuss nutritional considerations for the endurance athlete.
Background Context
- Exercise can improve metabolic control by increasing:
- muscle glucose uptake during muscle contractions by insulin-independent mechanisms
- skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity a er physical activity.
- A reduction in insulin sensitivity in the muscle occurs early in the processes which lead to the development of prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.
- It is also associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease and some cancers.