Insulin secretion in obesity after exercise

Abstract

Blood glucose and plasma insulin during glucose loads were measured in nine obese patients before and twice the days after a submaximal work of long duration. All subjects showed lower plasma insulin values the day after exercise. The insulin/glucose ratio was decreased indicating an increased insulin sensitivity. The effect could be demonstrated with the peroral as well as with the intravenous glucose test. The effect was remaining for four to six days after exercise in seven of the nine patients studied. The insulin concentration the day after exercise was well within the range of values of non-obese, non-exercising controls. No parallel lowering of plasma triglycerides was observed. It was concluded that an acute, submaximal, prolonged work produces a considerable decrease of plasma insulin levels during several days in hyperinsulinemic obese patients.