Measuring insulin sensitivity and the effect of alternative dietary interventions and exercise on metabolic control

Solomon, Thomas Phillip James (2007). Measuring insulin sensitivity and the effect of alternative dietary interventions and exercise on metabolic control. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent in western society, and the numbers affected by obesity and diabetes continue to rise. This thesis reviews the mechanisms at play and the gaps in the literature that, if filled, may increase knowledge of treatment regimes for affected individuals. Experimentally, it was demonstrated that the oral glucose tolerance test can be a reliable tool to measure insulin sensitivity following adequate dietary and exercise control. Acute and chronic cinnamon ingestion was shown to improve insulin sensitivity. Feeding frequency was found to alter insulin and ghrelin responses and relationships following mixed-meal ingestion. And finally, postprandial lipaemia was found to be attenuated for up to 24 hours following moderate-intensity exercise, illustrating the requirement of daily exercise. In summary, oral glucose tolerance tests are suitable for experimental interventions; and the clinical management of factors associated with the metabolic syndrome should perhaps consider dietary supplements, meal frequency, and exercise timing in addition to the traditional dietary and physical activity guidelines currently in practice.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):