Type-2 diabetes is a major health problem worldwide and exercise interventions are key in diabetes prevention. The risk for developing insulin resistance differs markedly between individuals. A possible factor for this diversity is the skeletal muscle composition - the primary glucose-disposal organ.

Skeletal muscle is a heterogeneous tissue with a mixture of slow and fast fibers. An average muscle consists of an even mixture of each type, but some individuals have a predominant fast or slow composition (=myotype). Fast fibers display impressive speed profiles, but show poor insulin sensitivity, leading to the question: ‘Is insulin resistance the heavy toll for speed?’ This project will explore the role of inter-individual muscle diversity for insulin resistance.

Using our own novel non-invasive approach for myotype determination, we will address this with unprecedented statistical power. The results can improve preventive screening and targeted exercise prescription.