Scientists from the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia found that diabetes is associated with a decrease in the diameter of skeletal muscle fibers and an increase in the length of the capillaries penetrating them. Research results published In the journal Biomolecules and Biomedicine.
The study involved female laboratory mice with and without diabetes. Using the latest 3D imaging technology, scientists evaluated the structure of the animals’ skeletal muscles from both groups (soleus, gluteus maximus and gastrocnemius), which are essential for movement.
The results showed a decrease in the proportion of type 2a fibers in the soleus muscle structure of diabetic mice. They belong to the fast twitch type, characterized by high strength and fatigue. It also turns out that diabetes is associated with an overall decrease in fiber thickness in all three muscles.
When examining the gluteus maximus muscle of diabetic mice, scientists found that the length of the capillaries passing through it increased. Researchers suggested that this change is an adaptive mechanism that compensates for muscle fiber atrophy caused by diabetes.
Scientists noted that diabetes involves dysregulation of blood sugar levels, leading to a variety of associated health problems. Destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas has serious effects on various organs, including skeletal muscle.
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