Reviewing and comparing the impact of aerobic exercise (3 and 5 times per week) on insulin receptors, glucose transporter protein (GLUT4), and skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity in diabetic rats

Objectives: The diabetes is a metabolic disease which is caused by chronic disease of blood glucose due to low insulin secretion, insulin resistance, or both of them. The sports activities have a major impact on prevention, treatment, and reduction of diabetes effects. Therefore, this study aimed to review and compare the impact of aerobic exercise (3 and 5 times per week) on some factors which are involved in glucose transition to skeletal muscles of diabetic rats.

Materials & Methods: A total of 30 Wistar rats were divided into three groups: diabetic, control (n=8); exercise group, 3 times a week (n=11); and exercise group, 5 times a week (n=11). The exercise groups ran on treadmill for 6 weeks with progressive intensity and duration. The variance analysis test was used to detect the significance of difference between groups. Also, the paired t-test was used to evaluate changes of groups in pre-test and post-test.

Results: The findings showed that the insulin sensitivity and insulin receptor levels increased significantly in aerobic exercise groups (3 and 5 times a week) compared to control group (p<0.05). The aerobic exercise (three times a week) did not significantly increase the levels of glucose transporter protein (GLUT4) in exercise group compared to control group. However, aerobic exercise (five times a week) increased significantly the levels of glucose transporter protein (GLUT4) in exercise group compared to control group (p<0.05).

Conclusions: The findings showed that aerobic exercise increased insulin receptors levels, glucose transporter proteins (GLUT4), and insulin sensitivity level. Also, the findings showed that the number of exercise session per week may be effective in management of diabetes and reduction of its destructive effects.