Genetically Engineered Mice Use Sugar to Increase Athletic Abilities. What About Humans?

When a person is exercising, their muscles are using sugar as a source of energy at a cellular level. The efficiency of this process is directly affected by the fitness of the individual. If a person is exceptionally fit, then their muscles have the capability to burn more sugar. A person who is limited to a more sedentary lifestyle will have muscles that can utilize only small amounts of sugar.

However, scientists at the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have found a way to increase the amount of sugar that a muscle uses. Their method involves stimulating the production of certain proteins in the muscle that assist in sugar uptake. The scientists have achieved positive results when applying their research to mice. This research could lead to new treatments for diabetes.