Pauline Møller reaches the PhD Cup final with research on the exercise pill of the future

In her research, Pauline Møller addresses a central paradox: although exercise is one of the most effective treatments for type 2 diabetes, many people find it difficult to maintain, and for some, the effects of exercise may be reduced. At the same time, the number of people living with obesity and diabetes is increasing globally.

Through her PhD project, she has examined how exercise affects the body’s metabolites – small molecules that play a crucial role in metabolism. The study shows that intensive exercise significantly improves both fitness and insulin sensitivity in individuals with severe obesity and type 2 diabetes.

However, the most striking finding is the identification of the metabolite hydroxyphenyllactate (HPLA). This substance is naturally produced in the body during exercise and appears to actively contribute to the beneficial effects on blood glucose levels.

In experiments with mice, Pauline Møller has demonstrated that treatment with HPLA improves blood glucose regulation – without affecting body weight or appetite. The results suggest that the compound may mimic some of the effects of exercise.

This opens the possibility of a future “exercise pill” that could help people who find it difficult to engage in physical activity.

With her research, Pauline Møller contributes not only to the development of new treatment approaches, but also to a more nuanced understanding of obesity and type 2 diabetes as complex diseases.

In the PhD Cup final, she will present her research to a broad audience – demonstrating how a small molecule can have a significant impact on future treatments.

You can watch the final on DR1 on 24 April at 20:00.