Seeking the Mechanism for Reversal of Enhanced Insulin Sensitivity after Acute Exercise.

Abstract

A single endurance exercise session can elevate subsequent insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by skeletal muscle. Refeeding a high-carbohydrate diet postexercise accelerates the reversal of exercise-enhanced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. We hypothesize that increased glucose flux through the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway mediates the reversal of postexercise-enhanced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake observed with high dietary carbohydrate intake. Summary: We hypothesize that high-carbohydrate intake postexercise favors greater flux through the hexosamine pathway which speeds reversal of exercise-improved insulin sensitivity.