Scientists discover a natural molecule to treat type 2 diabetes

(NaturalNews) Most people in the medical profession agree that the current approach towards diabetes treatment is simply not working. This is evidenced by the fact that the number of type 2 diabetics in the United States - and around the world - has been steadily growing in recent years. It is estimated that there are close to 30 million diabetics in America alone. Diabetes is a major challenge to the healthcare system, as it can lead to problems with the heart, kidneys, wound healing and vision, just to name a few. That is why the search is on to look for alternative treatment modalities and to find different approaches to diabetes remedies that will have a larger impact on the growing number of people who suffer from this disease. Read on to find out about one such alternative treatment.

New research out of Quebec

This latest research has been done at the Universite Laval in Quebec. There, scientists have discovered a special molecule, chemically related to fatty acids, that is able to imitate the effects that physical exercise has on the regulation of blood sugars. Researchers from the university teamed up with the Quebec Heart and Lung Center and the Institute of Nutrition and Function Foods to study this molecule more closely to try to understand more about the remarkable effects it can have on blood sugar control.

Research in context

Many researchers, while they found this latest discovery hopeful, were not entirely surprised by it. After all, the medical profession has known for years that there is a link between the dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids and reduced insulin resistance. It is this reduced resistance that translates into better blood sugar control, which in turn can fend off some of the more serious complications of this disease.

What lead scientist Professor Andre Marette and his colleagues discovered was a bioactive lipid which is related to fatty acids in structure and which is called protectin D1. In the course of the study, it was found that this lipid, and others in the same family, were able to trigger the release of interleukin-6 in the muscle tissue. This is also the body's response to exercise. An increase in interleukin-6 levels is important biologically as this chemical is able to help move glucose from the blood stream to the muscle cells and is also able to reduce hepatic production of glucose.

These effects were born out by laboratory research which found that higher levels of this lipid in the blood stream was linked to an improvement in the body's response to and use of insulin, which translates directly into better overall glucose control.

In short, the scientists involved on this study hope to continue with this line of research in the future, and have actually filed for patent for this lipid with a goal of developing new treatments for type 2 diabetes that might lead to better disease management - and quality of life - for millions of diabetics around the globe.

Sources:

http://www.sciencedaily.com

http://www.diabetes.co.uk

http://www.fiercebiotechresearch.com

About the author:
Sofiya has written articles on most health-related topics, including traditional medicine, alternative and naturopathic and natural treatments,health insurance, wellness, medical marijuana, diets and fitness.