A metabolomics approach to uncover effects of different exercise modalities in type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Introduction: Exercise-associated metabolism in type 1 diabetes (T1D) remains under-studied due to the complex interplay between exogenous insulin, counter-regulatory hormones and insulin-sensitivity. Objective: To identify the metabolic differences induced by two exercise modalities in T1D using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC–HRMS) based metabolomics. Methods: Twelve T1D adults performed intermittent high-intensity (IHE) and continuous-moderate-intensity (CONT) exercise. Serum samples were analysed by UHPLC–HRMS. Results: Metabolic profiling of IHE and CONT highlighted exercise-induced changes in purine and acylcarnitine metabolism. Conclusion: IHE may increase beta-oxidation through higher ATP-turnover. UHPLC–HRMS based metabolomics as a data-driven approach without an a priori hypothesis may help uncover distinctive metabolic effects during exercise in T1D. Clinical trial registration number is www.clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02068638. © 2017, Springer Science+Business Media New York.