Obesity, insulin resistance (prediabetes), and type 2 diabetes are interrelated disorders characterized by progressively deteriorating metabolic health. Metabolic impairments in these conditions lead to many negative health consequences, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. Research in the Exercise Metabolism and Inflammation Laboratory (EMIL) is focused on: 1) Understanding the mechanisms, and systemic consequences, of chronic low-grade inflammation; and 2) Determining how different exercise strategies impact cardiometabolic health and inflammatory status in individuals with, and at risk for, type 2 diabetes.
We utilize a translational approach, where in vivo studies in humans with type 2 diabetes guide cell culture experiments designed to understand molecular mechanisms, and vice versa.
In our human exercise physiology laboratory located in the Arts Building we have a metabolic cart, vascular ultrasound equipment, treadmill, cycle ergometers, elliptical trainer, resistance training equipment, and a medical procedures area which enable us to conduct studies ranging from acute exercise manipulations to clinical exercise trials with metabolic measurements.
In our cellular and molecular laboratory located in the Reichwald Health Sciences Center Building, we have a full cell culture suite, Miltenyi MACSQuant(R) flow cytometer, MagPIX(R) multiplex reader, real-time PCR machine, multi-function plate reader, and western blot equipment.
Key experimental techniques utilized include continuous glucose monitoring, flow-mediated dilation, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) isolation/culture, and multi-colour flow cytometry.