Abstract
A new study led by researchers at the University of Copenhagen and Karolinska Institutet reveals that insulin resistance varies widely between individuals, even among those with the same diagnosis. By analyzing muscle tissue from over 120 people, the team uncovered unique molecular "fingerprints" that could help detect insulin resistance earlier and guide more personalized treatments for type 2 diabetes. Professor Juleen Zierath, a pioneer in exercise and metabolic research and winner of the 2024 Diabetes Prize for Excellence, played a key role in the study. The findings highlight the importance of moving beyond one-size-fits-all approaches in diabetes care.
Key Points
- Researchers discovered unique molecular “fingerprints” in muscle that reveal how individuals respond to insulin.
- Insulin resistance varies widely, even among people with the same diagnosis.
- Some individuals with type 2 diabetes respond better to insulin than those without the condition.
- A human-specific muscle protein, AMPKγ3, may offer a new target for treatment.
- The findings support more personalized and earlier approaches to diabetes care.
“We can inherit risk, but we can actually modify our lifestyle.”
— Professor Juleen Zierath
Introduction
A major new study may change how we understand, diagnose, and treat type 2 diabetes. Instead of classifying people as simply "healthy" or "living with diabetes," researchers have identified unique molecular patterns in muscle that reveal how each individual responds to insulin.
What the Study Found
Scientists from the University of Copenhagen and Karolinska Institutet analyzed muscle tissue from more than 120 people with varying levels of insulin sensitivity. Using advanced protein analysis tools, they uncovered what they describe as “molecular fingerprints” of insulin resistance.
Some people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes had better insulin responses than people considered healthy. These findings challenge the idea that type 2 diabetes fits into a simple definition. Insulin resistance varies widely from person to person, regardless of diagnosis.
Why Muscle Is Important
Muscle is one of the most important tissues for regulating blood sugar. The study found that protein patterns in muscle tissue—both before and after exposure to insulin—were closely linked to a person’s insulin sensitivity.
Even in the fasting state, differences in the muscle phosphoproteome (which reflects chemical signals inside cells) provided clues about insulin resistance. This means it may be possible to detect early changes in insulin response before blood sugar levels rise.
A New Clue: AMPKγ3
One of the most promising discoveries centers on a protein found only in muscle, called AMPKγ3. The researchers identified a specific site on this protein that appears to influence how sensitive muscle is to insulin. That site was only found in humans. This may offer a new target for therapies that improve insulin response in muscle, with fewer effects on other organs.
Moving Beyond Labels
Professor Juleen Zierath, a senior researcher involved in the study, has long emphasized the importance of exercise in managing blood sugar. Her work shows that lifestyle changes can reduce risk, even when there is a genetic predisposition to disease. The new findings add another layer, showing that muscle tissue itself holds important clues that go beyond a person’s diagnosis.
Why This Matters
The study supports the idea of precision medicine in diabetes care. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, future treatments could be based on a person’s unique biological profile. This could lead to earlier detection, better outcomes, and fewer side effects.
Takeaway
This research brings us one step closer to more personalized diabetes care. It shows that insulin resistance is not just a number or a label. It is a biological process that looks different in each person. By better understanding these differences, we can improve care for everyone at risk of type 2 diabetes.
Professor Zierath's work reinforces how much power we have to improve health through daily habits. Her groundbreaking research has shown how exercise improves muscle function, enhances insulin response, and supports better metabolic health. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the 2024 Diabetes Prize for Excellence by the European Association for the Study of Diabetes. The award includes DKK 6 million to support her ongoing work, which continues to shape the future of diabetes research and care.
This study builds on that foundation. It shows that our muscle tissue carries molecular signals that could help guide both prevention and treatment, supporting a shift toward earlier detection and more tailored therapies for people living with or at risk of type 2 diabetes.
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Video - 2024 EASD–Novo Nordisk Foundation Diabetes Prize for Excellence, Professor Juleen R. Zierath
