Exercise Improves Brain Insulin Signaling
We now have the first study showing that exercise improves brain insulin signaling. That exercise improves insulin sensitivity in muscle cells has long been known, but we now know something similar happens in the brain with exercise.
Why is this important? We know that exercise improves brain function. Now we have at least one explanation why. Also, Alzheimer’s disease is sometimes know as Type 3 diabetes characterized by insulin resistance. Anything that improves insulin sensitivity theoretically can minimize the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Extracellular Vesicles and Brain Insulin Signaling
The study was published in Aging Cell. Just two weeks of exercise altered neuronal extracellular vesicle insulin signaling proteins and pro-BDNF in older adults with pre-diabetes. It focused on targeted vesicles produced in the brain that transport several proteins involved in insulin sensitivity — one of which is called Akt.
The study was conducted over two weeks. It included a group of 21 pre-diabetic volunteers with an average ago over 60. The volunteers performed engaged 12 individual, supervised, 60-minute exercise sessions of moderate to high intensity. They then ingested a glucose drink before and after training. Their blood samples were collected before and during the drink from the participants at the start and end of exercise training.
The blood samples showed that the number of neuronal vesicles carrying proteins involved in insulin sensitivity increased after each training especially an increase in Akt.
Significance of Brain Insulin Signaling
If insulin is unable to get into the brain cells then the cells do not function properly. This lack of function may lead to diminished memory formation, poor recall, decreased cell to cell communication, and diminished processing speed.
Exercise: The Perfect Drug
Far too often we look for short cuts to good health. There are no magic bullets. The more we learn about the impact of exercise on health, the more and more, exercise looks like the the perfect drug. Exercise coupled with proper nutrition delivers far more than anything found in a prescription bottle.
