Short bursts of high intensity physical activity could help people with type 1 diabetes better manage the condition and prevent complications.

A new research study funded by Diabetes Australia will look at high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and its benefits in type 1 diabetes.

Diabetes Australia CEO A/Professor Greg Johnson said the research may open up new ways for people living with type 1 diabetes to use exercise to help manage the condition.

“This could be the first study showing how high-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercise can improve control of blood glucose levels in people with type 1 diabetes without increasing the risk of serious complications like hypoglycaemia,” A/Professor Greg Johnson said.

“There is a lot of research emphasis on nutrition and medication management for diabetes but not so much related to using physical activity more as a treatment and exploring the dose response relationship for exercise.”

“Professor Twigg is hopeful that the research may also show HIIT exercise can improve cardiovascular risk factors and help people lower their risk of diabetes-related complications including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and heart disease.”

A/Professor Johnson said this was one of 50 new research grants funded by Diabetes Australia to be conducted in 2017 and the grants would support research across a range of subjects encompassing all types of diabetes.

“Diabetes Australia is funding projects that are examining ways of reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in women diagnosed with gestational diabetes, how viruses may contribute to the development of type 1 diabetes and links between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease,” he said.

Diabetes NSW & ACT CEO Sturt Eastwood said the project would help researchers better understand type 1 diabetes.

“Stephen’s research is another example of how much there is still to be learned about type 1 diabetes. Every extra piece of knowledge helps,” he said.

“We are excited to be able to support researchers at leading New South Wales institutes including the University of Sydney, the Westmead Institute of Medical Research, the University of Technology Sydney, the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, the Kolling Institute of Medical Research, the University of Newcastle, the Charles Perkins Centre and the University of New South Wales.”

“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.”

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.

Diabetes Australia is the national body for people affected by all types of diabetes and those at risk. Diabetes Australia is committed to reducing the impact of diabetes. We work in partnership with diabetes health professionals, researchers and the community to minimise the impact of diabetes.

Diabetes Australia’s Research Program relies on the generosity and support of Australians, our member organisations, of trusts and foundations, and philanthropic donations. Any individual or organisation can support the Diabetes Australia Research Program by joining the Cure Club, a regular giving program that allows you to have a donation to diabetes research deducted automatically each month. To start a regular donation, or find out more, call 1800 800 977 or email [email protected]
 
See below for a full list of grants.