Natural Compound Helps Reverse Diabetes in Mice

[n2doc]

ScienceDaily (Oct. 7, 2011) — Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have restored normal blood sugar metabolism in diabetic mice using a compound the body makes naturally. The finding suggests that it may one day be possible for people to take the compound much like a daily vitamin as a way to treat or even prevent type 2 diabetes.

This naturally occurring compound is called nicotinamide mononucleotide, or NMN, and it plays a vital role in how cells use energy.

"After giving NMN, glucose tolerance goes completely back to normal in female diabetic mice," says Shin-ichiro Imai, MD, PhD, associate professor of developmental biology. "In males, we see a milder effect compared to females, but we still see an effect. These are really remarkable results. NMN improves diabetic symptoms, at least in mice."

The research appears online Oct. 4 in Cell Metabolism.

Imai says this discovery holds promise for people because the mechanisms that NMN influences are largely the same in mice and humans.

more

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004123602.htm

[valerief]

1. Hmm, so what prevents the body from producing it naturally?

According to the study, aging and eating a high-fat diet reduce production of NMN, slowing the body's production of NAD and leading to abnormal metabolic conditions such as diabetes.

What fats? Do Eskimos all have type 2 Diabetes?

[dixiegrrrrl]

2. Vit B3 is also nicotinamide.

Wondering if using it would increase the presence of the NMN enzyme...would stand to reason.

[SandyP]

3. This is great news

This is great news for anyone battling diabetes or are at risk with pre-diabetes. Hopefully they will be able to transform this wonder cure into something humans can take. I wonder how long it will be till its developed.