Citrus peels compound could help diabetics

ORLANDO, Fla., May 18 (UPI) -- Citrus fruits may have a compound in their peels that could help diabetes patients and even prevent the disease, researchers say.

The compound, called emulin, was discovered while researching the weight-loss properties of grapefruit, WKMG-TV in Orlando, Fla., reported Sunday.

Researchers hope to extract the compound from the peel of the fruit, then filter and purify it to make a tasteless substance that acts as a sugar buffer when added to foods, the station reported.

In addition to speeding the removal of excess sugar from the bloodstream, Emulin reduces the amount of carbohydrates absorbed after meals and the amount of glucose manufactured by the liver.

"This product mimics the activity of insulin," A&M metabolics researcher Joseph Ahrens said.

Type-2 diabetic rats fed the equivalent of a brownie with emulin showed a drop in glucose by as much as 27 percent.

Scientists said if the product is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, it could be on the market within two years.