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The product which has been developed by University of Otago and Plant and Food researchers is showing potential for people with pre-diabetes to have their symptoms reversed and in turn prevent the onset of fully-fledged diabetes.
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University of Otago Wellington Endocrinologist Associate Professor Dr Jeremy Krebs says volunteers will play a crucial role in the next stages of development.
“We need male volunteers with either pre-diabetes; a condition where your blood sugar levels are slightly higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes or diabetes managed by lifestyle changes or Metformin only to come and take part” Dr Krebs says.
Participants would need to attend on four occasions to have blood samples taken after taking a capsule of the dahlia extract followed by a glucose drink. Participants will be paid a modest amount to cover travel costs.
Preliminary trials have shown the natural extract reduced the blood glucose level of participants. With those positive results the technology is progressing towards commercial development with Christchurch based company Aroma NZ Ltd partnering with Otago Innovation Limited the University of Otago commercialisation arm.
“This supplement has potential to reduce or reverse the risk of diabetes for so many people and with it being a New Zealand made natural product we are delighted to be a part of this exciting process” says Aroma NZ Limited Director Ben Winters.
Those taking part in the study being conducted in the Endocrine Diabetes and Research Centre at Wellington Hospital would need to attend on four occasions to have blood samples taken after taking a capsule of the dahlia extract followed by a glucose drink.
If progress continues on such positive trajectory the product could be on the market as soon as 2021.
