Altered mitochondrial bioenergetics and ultrastructure in the skeletal muscle of young adults with type 1 diabetes

Skeletal muscle accounts for almost half of our body weight and, because of this, is responsible for up to 75% of insulin-stimulated glucose disposal (the removal of excess glucose) after a meal. This makes it critical to glycemic control. In this study, the researchers wanted to find out if skeletal muscle metabolic and ultrastructural abnormalities exist in physically active young adults (average age 26) with moderately controlled T1D. Ultrastructural refers to the architecture of the cells that is only visible under very high levels of magnification. Twelve participants with T1D were studied against 12 similar participants without T1D. Each participant identified that they met the activity standards for someone with T1D as outlined in the American and Canadian diabetes association recommendations, and felt they were getting moderate to vigorous regular exercise. The study found that young, active people with T1D have mitochondrial and muscle ultrastructural abnormalities. This opens up an opportunity to look at whether more vigorous exercise may help to prevent skeletal muscle metabolic deficiencies in both active and inactive people with T1D.