Brisk Walking May Help Ward Off Diabetes

Title: Brisk Walking May Help Ward Off Diabetes
Category: Health News
Created: 7/20/2016 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/21/2016 12:00:00 AM

Source MedicineNet Diabetes General http://ift.tt/2akXeDR

Skeletal Muscle TRIB3 Mediates Glucose Toxicity in Diabetes and High- Fat Diet-Induced Insulin Resistance

In the current study, we used muscle-specific TRIB3 overexpressing (MOE) and knockout (MKO) mice to determine whether TRIB3 mediates glucose-induced insulin resistance in diabetes and whether alterations in TRIB3 expression as a function of nutrient availability have a regulatory role in metabolism. In streptozotocin diabetic mice, TRIB3 MOE exacerbated, whereas MKO prevented, glucose-induced insulin resistance and impaired glucose oxidation and defects in insulin signal transduction compared with wild-type (WT) mice, indicating that glucose-induced insulin resistance was dependent on TRIB3. In response to a high-fat diet, TRIB3 MOE mice exhibited greater weight gain and worse insulin resistance in vivo compared with WT mice, coupled with decreased AKT phosphorylation, increased inflammation and oxidative stress, and upregulation of lipid metabolic genes coupled with downregulation of glucose metabolic genes in skeletal muscle. These effects were prevented in the TRIB3 MKO mice relative to WT mice. In conclusion, TRIB3 has a pathophysiological role in diabetes and a physiological role in metabolism. Glucose-induced insulin resistance and insulin resistance due to diet-induced obesity both depend on muscle TRIB3. Under physiological conditions, muscle TRIB3 also influences energy expenditure and substrate metabolism, indicating that the decrease and increase in muscle TRIB3 under fasting and nutrient excess, respectively, are critical for metabolic homeostasis.

Source Diabetes Pathophysiology http://ift.tt/29SuVaZ

Adipocyte-Specific Mineralocorticoid Receptor Overexpression in Mice Is Associated With Metabolic Syndrome and Vascular Dysfunction: Role of Redox-Sensitive PKG-1 and Rho Kinase

Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) expression is increased in adipose tissue from obese individuals and animals. We previously demonstrated that adipocyte-MR overexpression (Adipo-MROE) in mice is associated with metabolic changes. Whether adipocyte MR directly influences vascular function in these mice is unknown. We tested this hypothesis in resistant mesenteric arteries from Adipo-MROE mice using myography and in cultured adipocytes. Molecular mechanisms were probed in vessels/vascular smooth muscle cells and adipose tissue/adipocytes and focused on redox-sensitive pathways, Rho kinase activity, and protein kinase G type-1 (PKG-1) signaling. Adipo-MROE versus control-MR mice exhibited reduced vascular contractility, associated with increased generation of adipocyte-derived hydrogen peroxide, activation of vascular redox-sensitive PKG-1, and downregulation of Rho kinase activity. Associated with these vascular changes was increased elastin content in Adipo-MROE. Inhibition of PKG-1 with Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMPS normalized vascular contractility in Adipo-MROE. In the presence of adipocyte-conditioned culture medium, anticontractile effects of the adipose tissue were lost in Adipo-MROE mice but not in control-MR mice. In conclusion, adipocyte-MR upregulation leads to impaired contractility with preserved endothelial function and normal blood pressure. Increased elasticity may contribute to hypocontractility. We also identify functional cross talk between adipocyte MR and arteries and describe novel mechanisms involving redox-sensitive PKG-1 and Rho kinase. Our results suggest that adipose tissue from Adipo-MROE secrete vasoactive factors that preferentially influence vascular smooth muscle cells rather than endothelial cells. Our findings may be important in obesity/adiposity where adipocyte-MR expression/signaling is amplified and vascular risk increased.

Source Diabetes Pathophysiology http://ift.tt/2aebNba

Functional Brain Networks Are Altered in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: Signs for Compensation of Cognitive Decrements? The Maastricht Study

Type 2 diabetes is associated with cognitive decrements, accelerated cognitive decline, and increased risk for dementia. Patients with the metabolic syndrome, a major risk factor for diabetes, may display comparable cognitive decrements as seen in type 2 diabetes. Currently, the impact of diabetes and prediabetes on cognition and the underlying organization of functional brain networks still remain to be elucidated. This study investigated whether functional brain networks are affected in type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. Forty-seven participants with diabetes, 47 participants with prediabetes, and 45 control participants underwent detailed cognitive testing and 3-Tesla resting state functional MRI. Graph theoretical network analysis was performed to investigate alterations in functional cerebral networks. Participants with diabetes displayed altered network measures, characterized by a higher normalized cluster coefficient and higher local efficiency, compared with control participants. The network measures of the participants with prediabetes fell between those with diabetes and control participants. Lower processing speed was associated with shorter path length and higher global efficiency. Participants with type 2 diabetes have altered functional brain networks. This alteration is already apparent in the prediabetic stage to a somewhat lower level, hinting at functional reorganization of the cerebral networks as a compensatory mechanism for cognitive decrements.

Source Diabetes Pathophysiology http://ift.tt/29SuZr4

13.1 miles closer to a life free of diabetes

At 13.1 miles, half marathons aren’t for the faint of heart—the level of time, discipline and practice it takes to adequately prepare for a run that long is a good litmus test to determine if you define yourself as a runner.

Brooke Kaplan definitively falls into that category, as she recently completed the Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon on June 4, 2016. The race was held in scenic Loudoun County, about an hour away from where she lives.

After initially learning about the race through a friend, Brooke was hesitant to participate, due to the intensity of the training. But that changed when she visited the website and saw that the American Diabetes Association^® was the official nonprofit partner of Destination Races. The chance to fundraise on behalf of the organization made running in the race all the more personal for Brooke, as a person with type 1 diabetes.

As a healthy college sophomore in 2007, Brooke never thought she could be at risk for diabetes. But an appointment at the health center on campus revealed a kidney infection, UTI and blood glucose level of 388. This startling news sent Brooke to the hospital, where she was later diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. As a college student, Brooke was starting to buy and cook food for herself for the first time, and she suddenly felt “more mature and mindful of [her] food and body than most” because she had to keep blood sugars in check.

But the disease hasn’t slowed her down—as proven by her participation in Destination Races. Even prior to the race, Brooke was active, taking Zumba classes and weightlifting. The Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon was not only her first-ever half marathon, but her first run longer than a 5K. She entered into what she called a “tough” training plan, running one to three times a week, in addition to her normal exercise routine. The running intensified, too, as she added an additional mile to her run with each week leading up to the event.

Brooke was concerned about making sure her blood sugar levels during the race—during her 8- and 11-mile training runs, her blood sugar had dropped, but she didn’t realize until after the fact—but that didn’t stop her from completing it. Quick checks pre-and post-race showed that her levels stayed within the normal range. Yet even if they hadn’t, Brooke’s supportive husband was waiting for her at the finish line, ready with trail mix from the American Diabetes Association tent to make sure she’d be okay.

Brooke’s story served as the foundation for her fundraising: Using both social media and email, she shared her experiences with friends, family and Zumba classes up until race day. She spoke directly about the symptoms, complications and dangers of the disease that impacts her daily life. Brooke believes that telling a real story and educating others, over asking directly for donations, was the key factor in how she was able to raise nearly $2,500!

As for her experience during the race, Brooke says that running a half marathon was never something that she’d considered doing before, but the donations pushed her to persevere. The end of the race was breathtaking – quite literally, as she struggled for breath crossing the finish line.

But overall, Brooke said she and her fellow runners felt a “huge sense of accomplishment. It was a really tough challenge, but I’m really happy I did it.” The fact that she completed the race with diabetes “made the sense of accomplishment all the better.” That happiness is sincere, as she hopes to sign up for another race soon.

We thank Brooke for the blood, sweat, tears and hard work she’s put in on behalf of the American Diabetes Association.

Sign up for a Destination Race near you!

Source Diabetes Stops Here http://ift.tt/29RwTrW