Impact of moderate exercise on fatty acid oxidation in pancreatic β-cells and skeletal muscle

J Endocrinol Invest. 2021 Sep;44(9):1815-1825. doi: 10.1007/s40618-021-01551-2. Epub 2021 Apr 12.

Abstract

Fatty acids (FA) play a crucial role in glycaemia regulation in healthy and metabolic disorders conditions through various mechanisms. FA oxidation is one of the processes involved in lipid metabolism and can be modulated by exercise. Nowadays, physical activity is known to be an effective strategy for the prevention and treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. Moreover, its intensity, its duration, the sex-gender, the prandial state, exerkines… are as many parameters that can influence glycaemic control. However, the widely debated question is to determine the best type of exercise for patients with metabolic disorders. In this review, we will discuss the impact of exercise intensity, especially moderate activity, on glycaemic control by focussing on FA oxidation in pancreatic β-cells and skeletal muscle. Finally, thanks to all the recent data, we will determine whether moderate physical activity is a good therapeutic strategy and if FA oxidation represents a target of interest to treat diabetic, obese and insulin-resistant patients.

Keywords: FA oxidation; Moderate exercise; Pancreatic beta cell; Skeletal muscle.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / metabolism
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / prevention & control
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Fatty Acids / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells / metabolism*
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism*
  • Oxidation-Reduction

Substances

  • Fatty Acids