Complementary Medicine Provides Natural Insulin Alternatives

There are many oral hypoglycemic agents currently used to treat diabetes. A side from insulin, none are capable of binding to and activating the insulin receptor. Approximately 45%-50% of the current drugs are derived from natural sources such as plants. A recent study highlights that a protein in bitter melon is capable of binding to and activating the insulin receptor, expanding the use of bitter melon as a traditional medicine and food for diabetes treatment.