Fully Funded EPSRC and STENO PhD Scholarship: Factors Influencing Glycaemia Around Physical Exercise in People with Type 1 Diabetes Utilising Advanced Hybrid Closed Loop Technology

Funding providers: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and STENO Copenhagen, Diabetes Technology research group

Subject areas: Advanced Hybrid closed loop, physical exercise, energy metabolism

Project start date: 

• 1 April 2024 (Enrolment open from mid-March)
• 1 July 2024 (Enrolment open from mid-June)

Project description: 

Though regular exercise is endorsed as a key component in a management plan for people living with diabetes, it continues to represent a major clinical concern due to its ability to disrupt normal blood glucose concentrations. In people without diabetes, blood glucose concentrations are tightly regulated by an array of feedback mechanisms. Unfortunately, such mechanisms are impaired or abolished in people with type 1 diabetes and consequently, rely on medical therapy to manage blood glucose.

A growing number of people with type 1 diabetes uses advanced hybrid closed loop systems or ‘artificial pancreas’ system. These systems consist of an externally worn insulin pump that communicates with an implantable glucose sensor located under skin, and infuses insulin directly into the body. These systems are becoming adopted by NHS and other global healthcare systems and whilst there is strong evidence of improved glucose management in the daily lives of those employing such systems there is limited evidence demonstrating how best to utilise such systems during metabolically challenging situations like physical exercise. 

This PhD studentship, based at Swansea University, but with opportunity to visit STENO Copenhagen diabetes Technology research group for research, will explore the impact of physical exercise in people with type 1 diabetes who are utilising artificial pancreas systems. With access to previously collected and ongoing research studies, we will fully exploit the opportunity to develop new insights into performing physical exercise in people with type 1 diabetes, explore the metabolic impact of artificial pancreas technology adjustments to different physical activities and identify opportunities that enhance the promotion of physical activity in people with type 1 diabetes with better evidence to benefit clinical healthcare professionals.

Eligibility

Candidates must hold an Upper Second Class (2.1) honours degree in Sports Science or similar relevant science discipline. If you are eligible to apply for the scholarship (i.e. a student who is eligible to pay the UK rate of tuition fees) but do not hold a UK degree, you can check our comparison entry requirements. Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency.

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is not open  to applications from international students (unless eligible to pay UK tuition fee rates as defined by UKCISA regulations ). 

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