A group of Nottingham researchers have discovered a supplement available to buy over the counter can help treat type 2 diabetes.
Scientists at Nottingham Trent University made the connection with carnosine, which helps to control blood sugar levels.
In lab tests, they found it was able to double the amount of insulin released from pancreatic beta cells.
Carnosine was also able to reverse the damaging effect of glucose and fat on these cells.
The researchers say as it is already available as a nutritional supplement, it could be used in its natural form by patients immediately and without prescription to potentially help control their blood sugar.
Dr Mark Turner said: “Our work indicates likely improved control of blood sugar levels from taking carnosine.
“Carnosine is a naturally occurring molecule which is thought to promote healthy ageing.
“We wanted to determine whether it exerts beneficial action on cells and tissues that control blood sugar levels in the body.
“There is an urgent need to identify new treatments that work differently to current options – and as this is available as a nutritional supplement it might even help to play an immediate role in the general population.”
The researchers also claim it could also form the basis for developing new drugs in the future, for those who find the supplement of limited benefit.
Type 2 diabetes – often associated with obesity – occurs when the pancreas does not release enough insulin, or the cells of the body do not react to insulin.
This means glucose stays in the blood and is not used as fuel for energy and can lead to toxic molecules forming.
There are a number of medications currently available to treat type 2 diabetes but these often become less effective over time, according to NTU.
The study suggests carnosine could represent a new treatment option, as it works by removing damaging toxic molecules that form when cells are exposed to high levels of sugar and fat.
The scientists argue that increasing glucose uptake into cells would also help to offset insulin resistance that typically leads to pre-diabetes – offering potential protection against developing the disease.
In 2011 it was estimated that there were 347 million people worldwide living with diabetes – more than 90 per cent of which have type 2.
By 2030 the figure is expected to have doubled that reported in 2000.
