Finding out how the circadian rhythm affects type 2 diabetes

Wallenberg Scholar Juleen Zierath’s research will involve studying how the circadian rhythm affects the clinical profile of type 2 diabetes and obesity in order to improve advisory and preventative measures and develop new therapies. 

Metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity are a growing public health problem. Our modern lifestyle, with its lack of physical activity combined with a high calorie diet, has led to a sharp rise in the incidence of the diseases. Thus, exercise and dietary advice for improving metabolism are important components of the treatment strategies. 

We now know that the circadian rhythm plays a significant part in diseases affecting the body’s metabolism. All of our cells have an internal “clock” that controls physiological processes around a 24-hour cycle. Disruption to these cellular clocks affects the development of type 2 diabetes and obesity; exactly how this happens remains, however, a mystery. 

Unexpected discovery

Recently, Juleen R. Zierath and her research group were able to demonstrate that afternoon exercise improved glucose control in type 2 diabetes in a way that morning exercise did not. 

She and her group will now continue this research by interrogating the causes of this unexpected discovery. Amongst other things, they will study how the circadian rhythm affects glucose control and mitochondrial function.

“Our hypothesis is that adapting the time of day when we exercise and eat to the cellular clock can maximise the health effects of metabolism,” says Professor Zierath. “Regular exercise is an important part of type 2 diabetes therapy, so it’s of great clinical relevance to know that certain parts of the day are better than others when it comes to physical activity.”

There are currently no drugs that specifically affect insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes. Professor Zierath believes, however, that new drug targets can be identified by learning the biology behind the role that the circadian rhythm has in the metabolic process.

“There is huge research potential for making discoveries that can give rise to new therapies and preventative measures.”