How exercise changes under-the-skin fat to help blood sugar control
Novel Mechanisms of Exercise Training Effects on Glucose Homeostasis
This research looks at how exercise-related changes in the fat beneath the skin can improve blood sugar control for people with adult-onset (type 2) diabetes and related metabolic conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Joslin Diabetes Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11257707 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are exploring how subcutaneous white fat (the fat just under the skin) changes with regular exercise and how those changes affect whole-body blood sugar. They are focusing on molecules like lactate and glycogen and a fat-cell receptor called GPR81 to see how those signals reshape fat tissue. The work uses genetically modified mouse models alongside detailed lab tests of genes, proteins, and lipids to map those changes. Findings will be used to connect tissue-level adaptations to overall metabolic health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with adult-onset (type 2) diabetes or cardiometabolic disorders would be the most relevant group to follow or benefit from this research.
Not a fit: People without metabolic or blood-sugar problems, or those seeking immediate treatment changes, are unlikely to get direct benefit because this is primarily basic translational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work might point to new ways—including exercise-based strategies or drugs that mimic exercise signals—to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that exercise improves muscle and metabolic health and that adipose tissue changes matter, but targeting lactate, glycogen, and GPR81 in subcutaneous fat is a relatively new and growing area of work.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Joslin Diabetes Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goodyear, Laurie J — Joslin Diabetes Center
- Study coordinator: Goodyear, Laurie J
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.