Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. If not treated immediately, high blood sugar can damage other organs such as the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Not only that, but high sugar levels can also affect bone health.

Basically, bone health depends on the amount of calcium present in the body. These minerals play a role in maintaining the structure and strength of bones. Unfortunately, high sugar levels can trigger calcium depletion in the body. Not only that, but bone health also depends on the presence of other minerals, namely magnesium. Plays a role in maintaining bone density and strength; sugar levels also influence magnesium levels in the body. Therefore, people with diabetes have a higher risk of fracture than the rest of the general population.

In recent times, many experts are looking for ways to overcome this. Until finally, a recent study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania found a bright spot. Researchers used transgenic lettuce plants to help speed up the healing process of fractures/broken bones in diabetics. The results of this study have been published in The Journal of Biomaterials.

The researchers inserted the protein insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) into lettuce plant cells and grew them in their study. After growing, it is known that the plant can express IGF-1 protein, especially in the leaves, so that it can be consumed and used as oral therapy. In addition, researchers explained that this transgenic plant was proven to deliver the protein effectively to stimulate the growth and regeneration of bone cells. As is known, IGF-1 protein is a protein that plays a role in maintaining healthy bones and muscles.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from: Google Search Images

Source(s):

• J. Park., G. Yan., K.-C. Kwon., et al. (2020). Oral delivery of novel human IGF-1 bioencapsulated in lettuce cells promotes musculoskeletal cell proliferation, differentiation and diabetic fracture healing. Biomaterials, DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119591.
• Science Daily - A promising new strategy to help broken bones heal faster (2020). https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200224133835.htm, February 25, 2020.