Safflower seeds - A new source of insulin

A Canadian biotech company has revolutionized the treatment of diabetes - making insulin from safflower seeds.

Rum - carthamus (Photo: viarural)

SemBioSys Genetics says it has succeeded in making insulin from genetically modified safflower seeds (carthamus). This allows making insulin at a lower price than the current method of using fermentation bacteria. SemBioSys company hopes to carry out clinical trials next year.

The diabetic body cannot produce enough insulin or is unable to use the insulin produced. Your body needs insulin to turn sugar in food into energy. There are 3 types of diabetes:

- Genetic type 1 diabetes: The body produces little or no insulin.

- Type 2 diabetes is primarily due to bad lifestyle habits that lead to obesity: The body produces insulin but cannot use it.

- Pregnancy diabetes: The body cannot use insulin during pregnancy. This disease disappears after the birth of the baby.