Static training improves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle of type 2 diabetic mice via the IGF-2/IGF-1R pathway

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a condition marked by insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. Static training, as a form of exercise intervention, is increasingly demonstrating benefits for improving T2DM. However, the underlying mechanisms remain inadequately elucidated. Research suggests that insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) could be a significant contributor to this phenomenon. In this study, static training significantly reduced fasting and random blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL, while increasing HDL and improving insulin sensitivity. Transcriptomics suggested that static training might regulate the IGF-2 pathway and related genes. WB and PCR results showed that IGF-2 expression was upregulated in the static training group, and IGF-2 inhibitors attenuated these effects, whereas IGF-2 overexpression enhanced them. In conclusion, static training improves insulin resistance in T2DM mice via the IGF-2/IGF-1R pathway, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic intervention.