Donato Mele

Registered and Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist, Assistant Professor in Nutrition and Metabolism, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), GreeceTS With a PhD in Oncological Sciences author of over 150 scientific papers, MAIN CLINICAL INTERESTS Main activities in the field of dietary management and prevention of diabetes mellitus, obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Has worked in clinical settings of large hospitals for 10 years. Her last position lasting for 7 years was at the 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Research Institute and Diabetes Center, Athens University Medical School, Attikon University Hospital. RESEARCH ACTIVITY In the past few years, her research interests lie on the effects of functional foods, dietary patterns and habits (i.e. meal frequency) on glucose metabolism, appetite/satiety, anthropometry and stress indices in people with normal body weight, overweight, obesity, women with polycystic ovary syndrome, at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes and people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. More specific, my research work involves: - Trials investigating the glycemic index and glycemic load of Greek functional foods and nutrients. - Investigation of the effects of functional foods (i.e. snack with carob, bread with carob flour, bread with resistant starch, with different particle size, yogurt with dried fruits, etc) and foods (i.e. honey, different coffee types, yogurt with peptides) on glucose metabolism, subjective hunger and satiety and hormones related to satiety and stress. - Investigation of meal frequency on glucose metabolism of people at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes, with type 2 diabetes, women with polycystic ovary syndrome, overweight and obese people with and without family history of diabetes and with and without insulin resistance. - Investigation of the effects of dietary protein and fat on glucose metabolism, body weight and subjective satiety of overweight and obese individuals with and without type 1 and type 2 diabetes. She is currently participating in one European research Horizon 2020 program, she has completed 4 research programs and has contributed to the writing and submission of 15 Greek and International research programs. She is an ad hoc Reviewer in 13 international scientific journals (including Metabolism, Diabetes & Metabolism, Αtherosclerosis, Journal of Functional Foods, British Journal of Nutrition, Food Research International, Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, European Journal of Clinical Nutrition). TEACHING ACTIVITY Instructor in 5 undergraduate courses, co-instructor in 3 undergraduate courses, co-instructor in 2 graduate courses of AUA. Participating as guest lecturer in 4 graduate courses of other Universities. Invited speaker in 80 National and 21 International Congresses.