GET FIT WITH EXERCISE PILL ; 'Gym'
Drug Could Fight Diabetes
January 21, 2005
SCOTS scientists are working to create an exercise
pill which will mimic the benefits of going to the gym.
But couch potatoes shouldn't get too excited - the aim
is to help people who are too old or sick to work out
normally.
A team from Dundee University are leading a massive
international effort to find out exactly how exercise
prevents obesity and a common type of diabetes.
And experts believe the five-year, 13-nation study
could pave the way for a tablet that will change millions
of lives.
Professor Grahame Hardie, who is co-ordinating the
project, said: 'It may sound like science fiction but
it's quite feasible.
'The pill would mimic some of the changes that happen
in muscle during exercise.
'When you exercise, your muscles run short of energy
and a system is switched on which allows muscles to
create more energy by burning glucose and fat.
'If we could mimic this effect, we might be able to
produce some of the benefits of exercise - without the
exercise.'
But Professor Hardie warned: 'I would never recommend
a drug asa substitute for regular exercise.
'I would imagine this would only be available on prescription
and doctors would always try to get patients to exercise
more in the first instance.'
The project could help many of the 850,000 Scots adults
classified as obese. And the team hope to help in the
fight against type 2 diabetes.
The illness affects an estimated 200,000Scots,with
the number of sufferers expected to soar as the population
gets older and fatter.
Professor Hardie said: 'Type 2 diabetes is associated
with obesity and tends to happen in older people.
'If there are medical reasons why some older people
can't take regular exercise, the drug might bea substitute.'
He added: 'Once it is known exactly how exercise prevents
type 2 diabetes, we will be able to give people more
rational advice about exercise and health.
'It will also help us put more pressure on governments
to adopt policies that make it easier for people to
increase their level of exercise.'
Research will be carried out in countries from Sweden
to the Czech Republic and thousands of volunteers will
take part.
The project is being funded by pounds 9million from
the European Commission.
Source:www.rednova.com
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