Breakthrough Diabetes Pill Preserves Muscle Mass, Boosts Metabolism

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University have developed a new oral drug that boosts metabolic activity in muscle rather than altering appetite like GLP-1 drugs. Early trials suggest it improves blood sugar control and fat metabolism while preserving muscle mass, with fewer side effects. Because it acts through a different mechanism, it could be paired with GLP-1 treatments for even stronger results. According to the study published in Cell, the new treatment works by targeting the muscle's ability to burn fat, rather than relying on appetite suppression. This approach has been shown to be more effective in improving blood sugar control and reducing fat mass, while also preserving muscle mass. In contrast, GLP-1-based medications such as Ozempic have been associated with weight loss and muscle loss in some patients. "We are very excited about the potential of this new treatment," said Dr. Maria Eriksson, lead researcher on the study. "Our results suggest that it could be a game-changer for patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity. We believe that it could be used in combination with other treatments to achieve even better outcomes." The new treatment has been shown to be effective in both animal models and human clinical trials. In the animal studies, the treatment was able to improve blood sugar control and reduce fat mass, while also preserving muscle mass. In the human trials, the treatment was well-tolerated and showed significant improvements in blood sugar control and fat metabolism. The development of this new treatment is significant because it offers a new approach to managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. Current treatments often rely on appetite suppression, which can lead to weight loss and muscle loss. In contrast, the new treatment targets the muscle's ability to burn fat, which could lead to more effective weight loss and improved blood sugar control. The researchers believe that the new treatment could be used in combination with other treatments to achieve even better outcomes. "We think that this treatment could be used in combination with GLP-1-based medications to achieve even stronger results," said Dr. Eriksson. "We are planning to conduct further studies to explore this possibility." The study was funded by the Swedish Research Council and the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The researchers are now planning to conduct further studies to explore the potential of the new treatment. If the results are confirmed, the treatment could be available for patients in the near future.