The Simplest Way to Protect Against Diabetes Revealed 0 13

Physical activity helps the body not only burn calories but also produce special microparticles that protect the cells of the pancreas. This is stated in a study conducted by researchers from the Karolinska Institute (KI).

As shown by the work of doctoral student Zhenghao Wang, during physical exertion, extracellular vesicles are released into the blood — microscopic bubbles that transport signaling molecules between organs. They form a kind of "communication network" between the body's systems and reduce the risk of diabetes by protecting the pancreatic β-cells responsible for insulin production.

The scientists isolated a special molecule in these vesicles — miR-124, which regulates stress in the endoplasmic reticulum that damages cells during metabolic disorders. Measuring the level of this molecule in the blood may help track the effectiveness of treatment.

The researchers hope that understanding the molecular mechanisms of the "benefits of movement" will allow them to turn their discoveries into practical medical solutions and make the prevention of metabolic diseases accessible to everyone.