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Although too much fat and sugar intake can increase obesity and cause diabetes, different kinds of fats affect our bodies in different ways, and some types are essential for metabolism. Come and find out how sugar and fat are used by your body for a healthy metabolism, from the brain to your muscles. Although on the outskirts of Exeter, this venue is on three bus routes: H, 5 and 55. Just ask for “Cowley Bridge” if coming from town, £1.70 each way. The events take place in the restaurant, and there are a few steps so this venue is not accessible for those with impaired mobility.
Why our brains love sugar: in health and disease
Craig Beall
(Research Fellow, University of Exeter)
The brain is an energy hungry organ, burning about 20% of the energy we consume, despite only being about 2% of our weight. Given that the fuel supply to the brain is so important for it to work properly, the brain has developed complex ways to sense changes in energy levels. We are increasing the understanding of how different brain cells sense changing energy levels and how this might go wrong in diseases such as diabetes, where energy levels change rapidly, even on an hour to hour basis.
Does a high fat diet affect muscle quality?
Ana Cruz
(PhD student, University of Exeter)
As we age our muscles lose strength and function, making us more susceptible to falls and other complications. Part of this loss due to loss of sensitivity to nutrients and hormones which normally promote muscle growth and health, such as amino acids and insulin. We try to understand the causes and mechanisms regulating this process. We believe that high levels of saturated fat and inactivity are major players and work with muscle cells as well as with human participants to understand how these may be affecting muscle quality, and how this might be aggravated by obesity and type 2 diabetes.
A matter of fats - Understanding fats, what foods they found in, and the role they play in the development of obesity-related disease
Patricia Thomas
(PhD student)
Globally 39% of adults are obese. Obesity is linked to heart disease and type 2 diabetes, although the link remains unclear. One theory is that overconsumption of food causes the excess to be converted into fat, which can spill into the blood and reach cells that would not normally be exposed to such fats. This results in the blocking of blood vessels, and the development of type 2 diabetes. However, not every fat is the same: some are toxic to cells, others are protective. Understanding this can help enable diets and therapies to be tailored to prevent obesity-related diseases.
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