Exercise-induced pancreatic islet adaptations in health and disease

Abstract

According, to the World Health Organization (WHO), overweight and obesity represent a rapidly growing threat to worldwide health. Currently, more than 1.4 billion adults are overweight. Although genetic factors account for some cases of obesity, it is evident that a drastic change in lifestyle is a main cause that accounts for the worldwide obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevalence. Physical exercise prevents or attenuates main obesity outcomes such as fat accumulation, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and glucose intolerance. Considering the relevance of cells and the benefits of exercise to the onset of T2D, in the present chapter, we review several studies that have evaluated the effects of exercise training on β-cell function and survival in health, obesity, and diabetes. Although the literature still lacks conclusive data in this field, exercise training that enhances β-cell survival is a common outcome in all of the studies. Exercise training-induced alterations on β-cell functions are more controversial. Generally, the studies indicate that in healthy and obese insulin-resistant subjects, exercise decreases nutrient-induced insulin secretion (associated with a correspondent increase in insulin action); however, increased insulin secretion occurs in T2D.