The diabetic vasculature: physiological mechanisms of dysfunction and influence of aerobic exercise training in animal models

Life Sci. 2014 Apr 25;102(1):1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2014.02.021. Epub 2014 Feb 28.

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with a number of complications of which chronic vascular complications are undoubtedly the most complex and significant consequence. With a significant impact on health care, 50-80% of people with diabetes die of cardiovascular disease (including coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease and other vascular disease), making it the major cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. A healthy lifestyle is essential in the management of DM, especially the inclusion of aerobic exercise, which has been shown effective in reducing the deleterious effects in vasculature. Interest in exercise studies has increased significantly with promising results that demonstrate a future for investigation. Considering the importance of this emerging field, the aim of this mini-review is to summarize and integrate animal studies investigating physiological mechanisms of vascular dysfunction and remodeling in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and how these are influenced by chronic aerobic exercise training.

Keywords: Aerobic exercise training; Diabetes mellitus; Vascular remodeling; Vascular responsiveness.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / physiopathology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / physiopathology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / therapy
  • Diabetic Angiopathies / epidemiology
  • Diabetic Angiopathies / prevention & control
  • Exercise Therapy / methods
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology*