Insulin promotes the clearance of sugars from the blood into skeletal muscle and fat cells for use as energy; it also promotes storage of excess nutrients as fat. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the cells of the body become resistant to the effects of insulin, and this causes high blood sugar and contributes to a build-up of fat in muscle, pancreas, liver, and the heart. Understanding how insulin resistance occurs will pave the way for new therapies aimed at preventing and treating type 2 diabetes. Mitochondria are cellular structures that are responsible for turning nutrients from food, into the energy that our cells run on. As a result, mitochondria are known as "the powerhouse of the cell." Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that can move within a cell to the areas where they are needed, and can fuse together to form large, string-like, tubular networks or divide into small spherical structures. The name of this process is "mitochondrial dynamics" and the process keeps the cells healthy. However, when more food is consumed compared to the amount of energy burned, mitochondria may become overloaded and dysfunctional resulting in a leak of partially metabolized nutrients that can interfere with the ability of insulin to communicate within the cell. This may be a way for the cells to prevent further uptake of nutrients until the current supply has been exhausted. However, long term overload of the mitochondria may cause blood sugar levels to rise and lead to the development of type 2 diabetes. This study will provide information about the relationship between mitochondrial dynamics, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Age range
18 Years – 60 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Effects of exercise on mitochondrial dynamics
Timeframe: 5 years