Considerations for maximizing the exercise “drug” to combat insulin resistance: role of nutrition, sleep, and alcohol

Mary Margaret E. Remchak, Kelsey L. Piersol, Sabha Bhatti, Andrea M. Spaeth, Jennifer F. Buckman, Steven K. Malin

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Insulin resistance is a key etiological factor in promoting not only type 2 diabetes mellitus but also cardiovascular disease (CVD). Exercise is a first-line therapy for combating chronic disease by improving insulin action through, in part, reducing hepatic glucose production and lipolysis as well as increasing skeletal muscle glucose uptake and vasodilation. Just like a pharmaceutical agent, exercise can be viewed as a “drug” such that identifying an optimal prescription requires a determination of mode, intensity, and timing as well as consideration of how much exercise is done relative to sitting for prolonged periods (e.g., desk job at work). Furthermore, proximal nutrition (nutrient timing, carbohydrate intake, etc.), sleep (or lack thereof), as well as alcohol consumption are likely important considerations for enhancing adaptations to exercise. Thus, identifying the maximal exercise “drug” for reducing insulin resistance will require a multi-health behavior approach to optimize type 2 diabetes and CVD care.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number1708
JournalNutrients
Volume13
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2021

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Food Science
  • Nutrition and Dietetics

Keywords

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Circadian rhythm
  • Diet
  • Endothelial function
  • Glycemic control
  • Physical activity

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Considerations for maximizing the exercise “drug” to combat insulin resistance: role of nutrition, sleep, and alcohol'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this