Research from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center suggests that exercise stimulates muscles to increase glycogen breakdown. By mobilizing fuel stores in muscle, the researchers propose that exercise may help to restore energy balance (ie. insulin and glucose).
A previously published study found strength training improved insulin sensitivity in older males with diabetes, and a second study, soon to be published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning research, reported similar results in non-diabetic subjects.
Why is insulin sensitivity so important for lean muscle and overall health?
Insulin sensitivity is one measure of how efficiently your muscles and endocrine system are working. Many bodybuilders believe that optimizing their insulin sensitivity will help to get energy into their muscles as quickly as possible after a workout, and therefore prevent or minimize a catabolic state (the metabolic state in which the body may break down muscle in order to provide nutrients needed for energy elsewhere in the body).
Check out this video for a better understanding of glucose,insulin and muscle function.
