HEALTH- A groundbreaking discovery has been made in the medical field by Nigerian-born medical researcher, Dr Opeolu Ojo, who is resident in the United Kingdom.
According to reports, Dr Ojo, a Biochemistry lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton, England, has contributed to the discovery of using frogs to treat Type 2 diabetes.
The research, which was led by Dr Ojo and his team at the University of Wolverhampton, found that a protein produced by the East Asian bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus rugulosus) was effective at boosting insulin production and improving glucose tolerance in mice.
This discovery could potentially change the way diabetes is treated.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. People with the condition do not produce enough insulin, which can lead to dangerously high blood sugar levels.
Currently, people with Type 2 diabetes require medication to regulate their blood sugar levels.
Dr Ojo explored the effects of combining the molecule produced by the frog with an existing component of a type 2 diabetes drug. The results of the research showed that the combination was effective in boosting insulin production and reducing blood sugar levels in mice.
The groundbreaking research findings were presented by Dr Ojo at the Diabetes United Kingdom Professional conference held on Thursday.
Ojo said, “Our research has uncovered great potentials of peptides from amphibian skin secretions, particularly their potential clinical use as novel agents for treating Type 2 diabetes.
“By combining these peptides with some of the molecules that our body produces naturally, our desire is to create a safe and powerful alternative to current anti-diabetic medications which have many challenges, including their side effects and the ability to restore the body’s ability to control blood glucose.”
Dr Elizabeth Robertson, director of research at Diabetes UK, added: “This innovative research has identified the untapped potential of a molecule secreted by frogs, that could boost existing type 2 diabetes drugs, which could lead to new and improved type 2 diabetes treatment options.
“We look forward to further research to explore how this exciting new combination treatment could be used to help people living with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels and potentially reduce their risk of serious diabetes-related complications.”
