New drug offers hope for type 2 diabetes patients

A new drug could potentially counter the onset of obesity-related type 2 diabetes.
The drug, known as C-10 and developed at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, made treatment groups more insulin sensitive, prevented an increase in fat mass, and inhibited the development of type 2 diabetes. The treatment groups were on a high-fat diet.
Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, a condition characterised by the body’s inability to use insulin effectively. Insulin is used to transport glucose from the blood to the cells, where it can be used as energy. Whe, as in the case of people with type 2 diabetes, the insulin cannot do this job properly, unhealthy levels of glucose can build up in the blood. If not properly managed this can, over time, lead to complications including organ damage, heart attack (cardiovascular disease), blindness, nerve damage, and stroke.
As well as increasing insulin sensitivity, C-10 prevented fat levels from increasing in the treatment groups. Obesity is the leading cause of type 2 diabetes. The first line of treatment for type 2 diabetes, therefore, often focuses on dietary changes and increasing levels of exercise in order to lose weight.
However, the study suggests that C-10 could contribute to weight loss plans.
Kelly McCall, associate professor of endocrinology at the Heritage College, said: “The implications are enormous. This drug could significantly change the treatment protocol for type 2 diabetes.
“The preclinical lab results showing C-10’s effects on type 2 diabetes are very promising.”
C-10 is currently awaiting clinical trials.