Metabolic changes after spinal cord injury. Part I: Differences in body composition and metabolic consequences
Abstract
The first part of the study describes metabolic changes after spinal cord injury. Impairment of sensory motor and autonomic functions causes changes in body composition including changes in body fat and a loss of the fat free mass.
Reduction of fat free mass results in impaired glucose and fat utilization. Insulin sensitivity is decreased in the affected muscles which leads to overall increase in insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, impaired glucose tolerance and increased risk of type 2 diabetes development.
Changes in blood lipids include higher LDL cholesterol and triglycerides concentrations and lower concentration of HDL cholesterol. The reduced fat free mass and frequent impairment of autonomic nervous system function significantly reduce the basal metabolic rate.
In conjunction with a reduction in physical activity, energy intake exceeds energy requirements which results in obesity and possible development of metabolic syndrome. Therefore, the SCI population is at an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases.