Looks like scientists got step closer in learning the nature of diabetes and its prophylactics in human organisms. It happened thanks to grizzly bears!
As human genes are similar to genes of bears by its structure, scientists decided to study processes which are going in animals’ bodies during hibernation or so-called winter sleeping.
The scientists of University of Washington performed the study involving animals within winter sleeping. They were giving sweetened water to bears and observed the changes of sugar level in their blood. According to the results, organisms of grizzly bears are able to control and regulate the level of insulin in the blood.
Insulin – is a hormone which is present in the blood of most mammals. It is responsible for regulation of the sugar level in the blood and transforming it into the source of energy. A human body becomes resistant to insulin if a big amount of sugar systematically comes into the blood. In most cases, it causes type 2 diabetes and its development – the disease which without proper treatment in its turn, may lead to heart stroke, brain stroke or total vision loss of a patient.
The details of the research were published in iScience magazine. Within the research the analysis of animal cells were performed. It showed the changes in 8 main proteins in the organisms of the bears during hibernation. Even though that discovery is a first step to creating a new medicine, the scientists consider it very promising.
There is a high chance of production of medicine which will prevent mass spreading of diabetes among the population, if the scientists figure out in which exact way the change in proteins are promoting the control of body’s resistance to insulin. Meanwhile, we have to take care of our health and undergo regular screenings.