A substance that shows promise of helping diabetics manage their illness better has moved from the animal to human testing stage.
The substance, called the INGAP – Islets Neogenesis Associated Protein – Peptide, encourages the growth of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Diabetes causes an inability to make or use insulin.
Researchers have found that injections of INGAP in certain diabetic animals can increase insulin levels and lower glucose levels. In tests, some animals were cured of their illness 39 days after beginning the therapy and showed normal blood sugar levels after stopping the treatment for eight days.