YES to exercise = NO to diabetes
Dysfunction or destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas is the main cause for diabetes. Research has indicated that regular and moderate exercise could prevent the onset or worsening of diabetes, an autoimmune condition. The project IMMEEDIA (Immunomodulatory effects of exercise in type 1 diabetes) was initiated to comprehensively investigate the benefits of exercise for symptom reduction or prevention of T1DM onset. Researchers conducted a large-scale multi-approach study to identify genetic and epigenetic factors predisposing to diabetes as well as suitable biomarkers. Beta cells are present in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. In T1DM patients, beta cell toxicity has been associated with oxidative stress and inflammation as a result of immune system dysfunction. Therefore, testing was done on patients who underwent islet transplantation. Results revealed that administration of a tailored exercise training programme significantly reduced loss of beta cell function through increased insulin sensitivity that in turn lowers blood sugar levels. Moreover, better immune regulation was apparent. Studies on non-obese diabetic mice were conducted to gauge the effects of moderate-intensity exercise on the immune system and beta cell function. Results were highly promising, showing improved metabolic capacity and immune modulation. Project outcomes have provided an evidence-based foundation for using physical exercise as a means to alleviate or prevent diabetes. The results show that exercise is a cornerstone in the prevention, cure and treatment of all-species metabolic disturbances. Besides being cheap and physiological, the risks of over-indulging in exercise are minimal. Successful demonstration of the protective effects of exercise on immune modulation could also be used to treat other autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Besides identifying populations at risk of developing chronic diseases like diabetes, study outcomes could be used to identify interventions that reduce the ensuing socioeconomic burden.
Keywords
Exercise, diabetes, autoimmune, beta cells, islet transplantation
