Effects of physical training on endothelial function and limb blood flow in type 2 diabetes

The term "endothelial dysfunction" refers to the inability or attenuated effect of the endothelial cells in participating in the relaxation of the adjacent smooth muscle, thus causing less vasodilation. Although endothelial dysfunction is often seen in patients with type 2 diabetes, it does not necessarily follow that insulin resistance and (or) hyperglycemia is causing the inability to respond properly to vasodilatory stimuli. Rather, this could be related to the impact of concomitant cardiovascular risk factors that are almost invariably present in patients with type 2 diabetes. The impact of physical training - or the opposite, inactivity - on endothelial function is not fully elucidated. Some studies have shown positive effects of physical training, whereas others have not. In general, physical training can improve endothelial function when this is impaired. However, physical training does not seem to have any effect on endothelial function when this is normal.