Did you know that lizard venom could one day help to cure diabetes? Currently, clinical trials of a drug developed from the saliva of a particular type of venomous lizard have shown that it could help cure type 2 diabetes.
One of the scientists concerned said that the drug developed from the lizard’s saliva could one day help to keep blood sugar levels under control and could even help the person to lose weight.
The drug is known as ‘Byetta’ and was developed from the saliva of the Gila Monster, a lizard native to South America.
The Gila lizard’s venom contains insulin-secreting properties. Its venom resembles a naturally occurring hormone found in the human stomach.
According to Michael d’Emden, an endocrinologist at the Royal Brisbane Hospital, when the drug Byetta is injected into humans, it causes an enhancement of glucose-induced insulin secretion.
“So as your sugar level goes up after a meal, this molecule stimulates the insulin-secreting cells in the pancreas, to secrete more insulin and keep your sugar levels under control,” said d’Emden.