The INDICO-II Study – Effects of Body Composition and Dietary Improvement on Cell Membrane Dynamics and their Relationship with the Aetiology of Type II Diabetes

The InDiCo Study (Inflammation, Diets, body Composition) is a pre-clinical study conducted at the University of Worcester. The InDiCo Study is currently unravelling links between diets that favour a pro-inflammatory environment with biomarkers of cell function and body composition. Details about the InDiCo Study can be found here: The InDiCo Study

The InDiCo-II study is a progression of the InDiCo study and will focus more specifically on how the onset of type II diabetes is influenced by diet and by body composition.

One in ten people over 40 years old in the UK are now living with a diagnosis of type II diabetes [1]. Diabetes is metabolically damaging, affects quality of life and shortens life expectancy [2-5]. Poor diet represents a significant burden to the UK, costing the NHS £10bn and wider society £27bn, with dietary risks remaining one of the largest factors that can increase risk of developing a non-communicable disease [6]. In England, the highest modifiable risk factor for metabolic disease is high Body Mass Index, and more than half of the top 20 risks to health relate to diet [7].

Diabetes UK recommends a substantial weight loss as quickly as possible for remission [8]. Even though diabetes remission can be achieved in individuals fully committed to weight loss and positive lifestyle changes, this occurs mostly in patients who have recently been diagnosed, around 1 year after diagnosis [9,10]. Our research aims to unravel metabolic manifestations associated with dietary improvement in individuals at risk of type II diabetes who wish to improve their diets and lose weight.

This project incorporates a pre-clinical element, in which the PHD student will interact with healthy adults at risk of developing type II diabetes. The PhD student will obtain body composition biomarkers and blood samples from the consenting participants. Training will be provided. Applications from nutritionists, dietitians, clinical biochemists or biomedical scientists are encouraged.

Additional Costs

Given that this is a laboratory-based project, there are some additional costs for the procurement of material essential to delivering the research objectives. This will include consumables for the handling and processing of blood samples. It is expected that these extra costs will not exceed £1,500 per annum.

Application Process

To begin the application process please go to https://www.worcester.ac.uk/courses/human-biology-mphilphd and click on ‘How to Apply’ in the top menu. This PhD could be carried out on a part time or full-time basis so please select the relevant application link. On the application form, please make it clear that you are applying for one of our advertised projects so we can direct it straight to the relevant people.

The Interview

All successful applicants will be offered an interview with the proposed Supervisory Team. You will be contacted by a member of the Doctoral School Team to find a suitable date. Interviews can be conducted in person or over Microsoft Teams.

Funding your PhD

For information about Doctoral Loans please visit: https://www.worc.ac.uk/study/fees-and-finance/doctoral-loans.aspx

During your PhD you can access the Research Student Support Scheme to support dissemination costs associated with your research, up to £500 a year.

Worcester Biomedical Research Group

The Worcester Biomedical Research Group (WBRG) aims to promote multidisciplinary Biomedical Science research at the University of Worcester and fosters collaborations between staff (cross-institute), students and local health / industrial organisations.

Building sustainable societies through research into disease prevention, medical treatment and diagnostics, lies at the heart of the WBRG research ethos. We aim to achieve this goal through basic and translational Biomedical Research with particular focus on cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration.

Widening Participation

As part of its mission statement the University is committed to widening participation for its higher degrees. Although most candidates will have an undergraduate and/or a Masters degree, the University is happy to accept applications from candidates with relevant professional qualifications and work related experience.

Supervisory Team

Dr Allain Bueno, Dr Emma Edwards, Dr Matthew Cook, International collaborators from Spain and Brazil will also be involved in the research.

Director of Studies

Dr Allain Bueno, Worcester Biomedical Research Group, School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester

Supervisors

Dr Emma Edwards Worcester Biomedical Research Group, School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester

Dr Matt Cook, Worcester Biomedical Research Group, School of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Worcester

Research Group: Worcester Biomedical Research Group (WBRG)

For further information or an informal discussion on this project, please contact Dr Allain Bueno (Director of Studies) via email at a.bueno@worc.ac.uk