Peripubertal Period Decreases Insulin Sensitivity and Glucose Utilisation During Exercise

Several studies have emphasized that glucose tolerance is reduced during puberty in normal children[1, 2]. Indeed, a decrease in insulin sensitivity has been demonstrated at rest from the beginning of the peripubertal period[3]. As exercise is associated with an increase in glucose uptake by the working muscles we can question whether the peripubertal period might affect the insulin responses and plasma glucose utilisation during exercise.