Izola

This research aims to evaluate the immediate effects of drinking a cold water extract made from Crocus sativus flower petals on blood sugar levels and other factors related to metabolic health in adults with obesity andor prediabetes. It investigates whether taking this extract before a meal improves blood sugar response, influences insulin levels, and increases resting energy use. The study is an early-phase, randomized clinical trial led by the University of Primorska. Participants will attend two visits to the research center. On one visit, they will drink 200 mL of cold Crocus sativus tepals extract prepared overnight, and on the other, they will drink 200 mL of cold water, in random order. Both drinks are consumed 5 minutes before eating a standard meal of 100 g white bread. There is at least a 7-day break between visits to clear the effects of the first treatment. During each visit, participants will have body measurements taken and resting metabolic rate and blood pressure assessed. Blood samples will be collected three times before eating fasting, and then 60 and 120 minutes after the meal. Researchers will closely monitor glucose levels, insulin, resting metabolism, and blood pressure to understand the extracts effects on metabolic health over the two-week study period.

Researchers are evaluating how continuous glucose monitoring CGM affects blood sugar fluctuations, lifestyle habits, and metabolic health in adults with prediabetes who are overweight or obese BMI of 27 kgm or higher. The study aims to find out if having real-time access to glucose data encourages behavior changes and improves metabolic outcomes compared to using CGM without seeing the glucose data. This randomized, open-label crossover study involves 30 adults aged 18 to 70 years with confirmed prediabetes and stable weight. Participants will undergo two 12-week phases using a CGM device one with real-time glucose data visible open CGM and one with glucose data hidden blinded CGM. The order of these phases is randomized and separated by a 30-day washout period. During the open CGM phase, participants can view their glucose levels continuously, while in the blinded phase, the data is masked. The study evaluates how access to glucose information influences diet, physical activity, and metabolic markers. Throughout the study, participants will attend baseline and follow-up visits where their weight, blood tests, physical activity, dietary intake, and health status are assessed. The primary outcomes include changes in glycemic variability and daily energy intake measured at the end of each 12-week CGM phase. Secondary measures include changes in body weight, blood glucose levels, HbA1c, physical activity, and participant adherence to CGM use. The total study duration for each participant includes the two 12-week CGM phases plus the washout period.

This research aims to understand how unloading maneuvers affect trunk mechanical and neuromuscular properties during repeated bending of the spine. The study will include 30 adult male participants whose jobs involve a mix of sitting and standing. The goal is to observe changes caused by spinal flexion and unloading techniques in a controlled setting. Participants will undergo a 60-minute spinal flexion protocol repeatedly with rest periods. Those in the intervention group will perform specific unloading maneuvers during these rests, including self-traction on a box for five seconds and standing trunk extension for eight seconds, repeated twice at each rest. The control group will complete the spinal flexion without these maneuvers. Before and after the 60-minute protocol, researchers will measure various trunk properties such as muscle stiffness, range of motion, seated spinal height, lumbar curve angle, and maximal strength during trunk extension. The study will monitor these changes over 90 minutes to assess the immediate impact. Participants progress and responses will be carefully observed to gather detailed mechanical and neuromuscular data.