The 2019 study by A. Collin, K. L. Dunlap, and colleagues examined the physiological effects of conditioning and weight gain on biomarkers associated with type II diabetes (T2D). Using sled dogs as a model species, researchers evaluated levels of adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and glycosylated hemoglobin, which are linked to metabolic inflammation and insulin resistance.
The study compared racing (active), sedentary, and overweight sled dogs to determine how physical activity and body composition influenced the biomarkers. Interestingly, while regular exercise did not significantly affect biomarker levels, weight gain caused a measurable increase in inflammation markers and T2D risk indicators.
This suggests that the metabolic risks of obesity persist even in physically active dogs, and that managing weight is more critical than exercise alone in preventing metabolic disorders. Elevated TNF and glycosylated hemoglobin, along with decreased adiponectin, were observed in the overweight group—highlighting early signs of metabolic syndrome.
As sled dogs are considered a robust model for studying exercise physiology, this research provides a valuable translational insight into how excess weight contributes to systemic inflammation and insulin resistance—not just in dogs, but potentially in humans as well.
Overall, the study reinforces that maintaining a healthy body weight is a cornerstone in reducing the risk of type II diabetes and associated inflammatory conditions in canines.
Source: A. Collin, S. Jimmie, A. Reynolds, T. Schnurr, L. Duffy, and K. L. Dunlap. “Weight Gain, Conditioning and Metabolic Syndrome: A Sled Dog Model.” American Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Published 2019-08-18.
