Study points way to pill for preventing diabetes

Research on a natural cell chemical compound, called nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), found that it plays a vital role in the way cells use energy.

Scientists in the US were able to normalise blood sugar levels in diabetic mice by injecting them with the chemical.

At the same time, the jabs lowered levels of cholesterol and triglyceride blood fats.

The researchers are now working on a way of administering NMN to mice in drinking water.

In future they hope to develop a “nutriceutical” pill that can be taken like a vitamin to combat Type 2 diabetes.

“Once we can get a grade of NMN that humans can take, we would really like to launch a pilot human study,” said research leader Dr Shin-ichiro Imai, from Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis.

Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease, affects more than two million Britons and is linked to lifestyle.

But health campaigners said the latest research could not yet provide a cure for diabetes.

Dr Iain Frame, director of research at Diabetes UK, said: “The idea that type 2 diabetes will be cured or prevented by taking a simple pill is not supported by this paper.

“The research is at a very early stage and has shown some benefit in female mice with diabetes and less benefit in male mice.

“While promising, it would take an enormous leap of faith to assume a pill will soon be on the market for people with, or at high risk of, type 2 diabetes.”