Marisa A. Nunes, a student of the fourth year at the Second Faculty of Medicine, became a winner of the Endocrinology section of one of the world's leading student congresses in (bio)medical sciences ISCOMS 2018 in Groningen, Holland. Results of her study Speed of glycemia decrease during the defined level of physical activity in patients with type 1 diabetes may help patients treated with insulin to keep better control over glycemic excursions during physical activity. The study was conducted under the supervision of Dr Jan Brož from Department of Internal Medicine. Read a short interview with the awardee.
Could you briefly summarise what your presentation was about?
This project is focused on hypoglycemia prevention in diabetic patients treated with insulin, for which physical activity is one of its main risk factors. I presented the results of our research in which we aimed to determine the rate at which glycemia decreases during a defined level of physical activity using an electrically braked ergometer in Type 1 diabetics. We believe a better understanding of how blood glucose levels change during exercise helps patients on insulin therapy to keep better control over their glycemic excursions, especially to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.
How and how long did you prepare for it?
Throughout almost the whole last year we were periodically analysing data and interpreting the results and I also studied existing literature on the topic of hypoglycemia and exercise. In the months leading up to the conference, under the supervision of Dr Jan Brož, I designed and practiced my presentation, familiarized myself with many consequences of the results and prepared for possible questions. There were quite a few from the audience and the jury but they were not too difficult to answer.
What did you experience in the city of Groningen beside the conference?
We had a very full and well organised program for the conference, including scientific program and social program (i.e. recreational night, formal dinner and World Wide ISCOMS night) which I, along with most of the over 400 congress attendees, took part in. I was also lucky to have enough time to explore Groningen on foot, go to the food market in the Grote Markt and take in the beautiful architecture and countless bridges everywhere.
What are your future plans in the field of medicine?
In the immediate future I look forward to my last few years in medical school and getting my degree. I will continue research in future projects in the topic of Diabetes Mellitus and, if given the opportunity, possibly combine this with other fields (e.g. Surgery or Obstetrics and Gynecology) as well.
