A recent study revealed how lengthened periods of inactivity profoundly heightened blood glucose levels, even when there were restrictions on food intake. On top of that, the risky long-term effects brought about by inactivity on body metabolism may also have implications for future missions to space.
Lengthened Periods of Inactivity Boosts Blood Sugar
According to the Independent, 20 healthy and young male participants lay in bed for 60 days straight. As they did so, scientists led by those from the University of Bath monitored their health. The study was included in the Clinical Nutrition publication.
Throughout the entire period, the participants were on bed rest even as they showered, ate, and went to the toilet. They also had a reduced diet to prevent weight gain, as scientists wanted to see their bodies' ability to control blood glucose levels.
Despite reducing food intake to align with their minimal energy expenditure, the findings revealed that the participants' inactivity profoundly and negatively affected their blood sugar.
The University of Bath notes that the average blood glucose levels of the participants went up by 6% during the day and by 10% at night. On top of this, their body's capacity for blood glucose disposal, such as taking the sugar to muscles, decreased by 24%. The participants struggled with blood glucose control, a vital risk factor for developing cardiovascular illnesses such as Type II diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
The scientists assume that their blood sugar levels may have reached higher levels if their food and calorie intake were not controlled.
ALSO READ : Glucose Level Detector Will Help You Check Blood Sugar Using Perspiration; Here's How It Works
What Are the Implications For Future Space Missions?
The European Space Agency conducted such a study to see the health impacts of crewed space missions. However, findings are also relevant on earth. According to the Independent, the researchers say that such results have huge implications for incoming space missions and the many individuals who go through lengthened periods of inactivity because of chronic conditions, poor lifestyle, injury, or ill health.
Study leader Dylan Thompson says their findings show that physical activity withdrawal gravely affects physiological health more than diet control. He further states that this reveals that diet adjustments are not enough to overcome the negative impacts of physical inactivity, even when one can avoid weight gain.
The researchers are looking at coming up with countermeasures for individuals on earth who are on bed rest and those who are going to space. The Independent reports that recent research suggests electrically stimulating leg muscles may help recreate exercise effects on blood sugar control.
The researchers think that even in grave cases where individuals completely lose movement, there are viable options that may affect muscular contraction for blood glucose control, which they are looking to delve into and come up with.
Check out more news and information on Medicine and Health in Science Times.
