Poisonous lizard a lifeline for diabetics

A LARGE, poisonous lizard from Mexico has proved to be an unlikely lifeline for diabetics.

The two-foot-long pink and black Gila Monster has a chemical in its saliva similar to a human hormone that helps regulate blood sugar. Last week, a new Type Two diabetes drug based on the lizard chemical was made available.

Exenatide is the first in a new class of medicines known as incretin mimetics. It works by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin in response to raised blood sugar, and also influences digestion and appetite.