Wen Xin Lim

Citation

Thesis Title
Stopping the progression towards type 2 diabetes mellitus: investigating the hypoglycaemic (glucose-lowering) potential of antioxidant-rich plant extracts

Prediabetes may be viewed as an intermediary stage between having normal blood glucose levels and blood glucose levels that are high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Even within this stage different glucose metabolic profiles (healthier and less healthy) have been identified. Previous research has shown T2DM can be prevented or delayed if lifestyle interventions are available in the prediabetes stage. Ms Lim investigated one potential intervention for individuals with a ‘less healthy’ metabolic glucose profile. Using two acute human studies, she demonstrated that antioxidant-rich plant extracts, from New Zealand pine bark, grape seed, rooibos tea, and olive leaf, have the potential to help improve people’s glucose and insulin responses. These plant extracts may improve individuals’ overall health outcomes, and reduce the chances of prediabetes progressing to T2DM.

Supervisors
Associate Professor Rachel Page
Dr Lynne Chepulis
Dr Hayder Al-Aubaidy
Professor Pamela Von Hurst
Dr Cheryl Gammon