*High intensity interval training could help prevent type 2 diabetes *

New research at the University of Queensland and funded by Diabetes Australia will investigate if short bursts of high intensity exercise could be key to helping people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes.

The research, led by Dr Shelley Keating, is one of four new research grants across Queensland announced by Diabetes Australia today.

“Non alcoholic fatty liver disease is common and a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes,” A/Professor Greg Johnson, CEO of Diabetes Australia said.

“Dr Keating will be conducting a study to see if high-intensity interval training, where participants do short sharp bursts of exercise at near maximum capacity, can help this group reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes.”

“As part of the study participants will be doing periods of two to three minutes of exercise on a treadmill or exercise bike at around 85 – 95% of their capacity interspersed with more moderate exercise.”

A/Professor Johnson said Diabetes Australia was also supporting research into other elements of diabetes including exploring the relationship between gestational diabetes and increased risk of overweight or obesity in children born to mothers with the condition, better insoles to improve foot health in people with diabetes and how nano-implants could improve insulin delivery.

“Diabetes is the single biggest challenge confronting Australia’s health system and research into how we can prevent and manage the condition is critical to meeting the challenges we face,” he said.

Diabetes Queensland CEO Michelle Trute said the organisation was committed to research and improving the lives of people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

“Improvements in the treatment of diabetes in the past 50 years are a road map of how successful research has been,” Ms Trute said.

“We won’t stop fundraising and investing in research until we’ve found a cure for the condition.”

The Diabetes Australia Research Program was established in 1987 to support and develop diabetes related research across Australia. The program provides funding towards the prevention, management and cure of all types of diabetes, as well as enabling and fostering young and upcoming researchers in the field of diabetes research.

Each year outstanding research projects are selected through a merit based, competitive, peer review process.

Full list of grants

Dr Helen Barrett University of Queensland: Linking maternal and infant oral microbiome: effects of GDM or effects of probiotics?

Dr Anna Hatton University of Queensland: Textured shoe insoles to improve balance and walking in adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a randomised controlled trial

Dr Shelley Keating University of Queensland: High intensity exercise targeting insulin resistance in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: is it safe, effective and feasible in practice?

Professor Chengzhong Yu University of Queensland: Smart Nano-implants for Physiological Glucose Responsive Insulin Release