Advance 'could cause diabetes drug safety boost'

Research published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry has identified a natural fatty acid that can help in the regulation of blood sugar levels.

Decanoic acid modulates peroxisome proliferator-activated or PPAR receptors, which have key role to play in the metabolism of both glucose and lipids.

It occurs naturally in coconut oil and palm kernel oil, as well as certain milk and fats, and has a crucial role to play in improving safety.

Dr Eric Xu, director of the Van Andel Research Initiative's Center for Structural Biology and Drug Discovery, suggested that these findings could lead to the design of better PPAR-based drugs.

He said: "[It] is the molecular target of the thiazolidinedione class of anti-diabetic drugs, which have been shown to have negative side effects such as weight gain, fluid retention, and increased risk for cardiovascular diseases."

Recent research published in Neurology found that clout-busting therapies could benefit those patients with a history of diabetes.

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