Sigma Nutrition Radio

Author: Danny Lennon

Discussions about the science of nutrition, dietetics and health. The podcast that educates through nuanced conversations, exploring evidence and cultivating critical thinking. Hosted by Danny Lennon.
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Genres: Health & Fitness, Nutrition

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#598: How Do Exercise & Diet Interact to Improve Glycaemic Control? – Jenna Gillen, PhD
Monday, 16 March, 2026

This episode examines how exercise and nutrition interact to influence glycaemic control, with particular focus on the postprandial period (i.e., the hours after eating) and on "time-efficient" exercise strategies such as low-volume interval training. Dr. Jenna Gillen outlines the physiological basis for why muscle contraction can acutely reduce post-meal glucose excursions, why repeated sessions can accumulate into longer-term improvements in insulin sensitivity, and why the nutrition context (pre- and post-exercise feeding, carbohydrate availability, and energy balance) can meaningfully alter observed outcomes. A key translational thread is that many clinically relevant improvements may come from small, feasible doses of activity; especially post-meal walking and brief "exercise snacks" used to interrupt sedentary time. However, the discussion considers who these interventions matter for most (and least). Postprandial glucose rises are normal in healthy individuals, whereas reducing exaggerated excursions is most relevant for those with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes (T2D). Dr. Jenna Gillen is an Assistant Professor of Exercise Physiology in the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education at the University of Toronto. Timestamps [02:42] Dr. Gillen's research focus [04:11] Understanding glycemic control [10:07] Fasted vs. fed state exercise [11:10] Post-meal exercise benefits [20:10] Low volume interval training [26:27] Interval training and blood glucose [31:29] Energy balance and insulin sensitivity [36:32] Exercise and nutrition interactions [40:11] Practical exercise recommendations [43:56] Key ideas segment (Premium-only) Links Go to episode page (with links to papers) Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course See Sigma's recommended resources