Name and Surname: prof. Nejc Šarabon, PhD
Links: ARIS 21495, LINKEDIN
E-mail: nejc.sarabon@fvz.upr.si

Research facility (research activity location)
University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences,

Research field according to ARIS classification
Science: 
Field: Medicine and Kinesiology
Subfield: 

Summary of research topic and field

THE EFFECT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND DIET ON GLUCOSE VARIABILITY, INSULIN RESISTANCE AND
WEIGHT LOSS IN PEOPLE WITH DIABETES

Obesity and insulin resistance are among the key factors in
the development of type 2 diabetes. More insulin is needed to achieve normoglycemia, which can
affect fat accumulation. . Higher blood glucose fluctuations can occur due to insulin resistance. Diet
and physical activity have a significant impact on weight loss and glucose regulation, but it is not
entirely clear what role the sequence of diet and physical activity has on glucovariability and the
reduction of body fat percentage in people with obesity. The doctoral thesis would address the
impact of a targeted exercise program and diet in people with diabetes or pre-diabetes on metabolic
indicators such as body mass, body fat percentage, glucovariability and insulin resistance. We are
interested in how the parameters change in a stable and purposefully changed lifestyle with an
emphasis on the element of physical activity and nutrition. The research sub-domain foresees a
complementary positive effect of the intervention elements on the monitored output variables,
which we will address with a randomized controlled study as the central experimental part of this
doctoral project. Additionally, we will compare adults with diabetes and people with impaired
glucose tolerance and/or borderline basal glycemia. Both groups would be overweight, body mass
index above 30 kg/m2. The dependent variables monitored will be determined below, but are likely
to include at least 24-hour physical activity, energy balance, glucose variability, body mass, and
composition. Since it is a clinical study on patients, we will obtain the approval of the KME (medical
ethics committee) before conducting the study.