A Canadian biotechnology company has revolutionized diabetes treatment by producing insulin from safflower seeds.
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Safflower – Carthamus (Image: viarural) |
SemBioSys Genetics has announced its success in producing insulin from genetically modified safflower (Carthamus) seeds. This breakthrough allows for the creation of insulin at a lower cost compared to current methods that use bacteria fermentation. SemBioSys hopes to conduct clinical trials next year.
Diabetic patients are unable to produce sufficient insulin or cannot effectively utilize the insulin produced. The body requires insulin to convert sugars from food into energy. There are three main types of diabetes:
– **Type 1 Diabetes**: This genetically inherited condition results in little to no insulin production by the body.
– **Type 2 Diabetes**: Mainly caused by poor lifestyle habits leading to obesity, the body produces insulin but cannot use it effectively.
– **Gestational Diabetes**: This type occurs when the body cannot utilize insulin during pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth.
