A potent ingredient in over-the-counter cough syrup or cough suppressants can improve the release of insulin in humans, a new study revealed. This new body of knowledge may possibly pave way for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes in humans.
Experts from Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf, Germany discovered that the active ingredient in cough syrups, dextromethorphan can increase the release of insulin in the pancreas. This is according to a series of experiments and studies they conducted on mice then on human pancreatic tissue samples. They were also able to test it on people with the condition.
Dextromethorphan is the active ingredient in popular brands Bisolvon, Robitussin and Benadryl. It is often indicated by the letters DM on the labels of cold medications and cough suppressants, and has only a few side effects compared to the drugs used to treat diabetes.
It works to stifle a cough by suppressing the activity of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the medulla oblongata, part of the brain stem just above the spinal cord. Hence, the cough reflex will be suppressed. This is usually suggested for persons with dry cough and those with no secretions or phlegm to expectorate.
Type 2 Diabetes is defined as a disease wherein there is no control over the blood sugar levels because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to bind with the glucose in the body.
According to the American Diabetes Association, Type 2 Diabetes affects 29.1 million Americans, or 9.3% of the country's population. Furthermore, it is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States.
According to the doctors, DM stimulated the pancreatic beta cells to secrete more insulin at raised blood sugar levels. This may lead to improved sugar levels in the body and it can reduce the sugar spikes.
"To date, we only have results from a single-dose clinical trial, which make us optimistic; but not sufficient to evaluate the clinical benefit of this drug for the long-term treatment of people with diabetes," senior author Eckhard Lammert, a professor of animal physiology at the Heinrich Heine University told Live Science.
