A group of scientists in Sweden has made an exciting discovery that could change how we treat type 2 diabetes and obesity.
They have developed a new pill that may lower blood sugar and help burn fat—without causing common side effects like nausea, loss of appetite, or muscle loss.
The study was published in the journal Cell by researchers from Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University.
Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body struggles to manage sugar properly. People with this condition often have high blood sugar levels because their bodies don’t respond well to insulin.
Obesity, or having too much body fat, is often linked to type 2 diabetes. When these two conditions happen together, the risk of heart disease, kidney damage, and other serious health issues increases.
Currently, many people use a type of injection drug called GLP-1 to help with weight loss and blood sugar control.
Drugs like Ozempic fall into this category. GLP-1 drugs work by changing how the gut and brain communicate, helping people feel full and eat less. But they also come with unwanted side effects like stomach problems, tiredness, and even muscle loss.
The new drug from this Swedish study is different. It is taken as a tablet and does not work through the brain or gut. Instead, it targets the muscles directly and boosts metabolism there. This means the muscles become better at burning sugar and fat, which could help with weight control and blood sugar levels—while keeping muscles strong.
In tests on animals, the results were very promising. The drug helped reduce blood sugar and burn fat, without serious side effects. Then, the scientists tested the drug in people. A small human trial involved 48 healthy volunteers and 25 people with type 2 diabetes. Everyone tolerated the drug well, and no major problems were reported.
Professor Tore Bengtsson from Stockholm University said this drug could be a big step forward. He explained that keeping muscle mass is very important for people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Strong muscles are not only important for daily activities but also help people live longer.
The pill is made from a lab-designed molecule that is similar to a group of substances called β2 agonists. These are often used in asthma treatment, but they can raise heart rate. The new version avoids that problem. It boosts muscle activity without speeding up the heart.
Dr. Shane Wright from Karolinska Institutet said the pill could be more convenient than injections. He also mentioned that because it works differently from GLP-1 drugs, it can be taken along with them to improve results.
The company behind this pill, Atrogi AB, is now planning larger studies. The next step is to test the drug in more people with type 2 diabetes and obesity to make sure it works well and is safe over time.
This study was the result of teamwork between scientists in Sweden, Denmark, and Australia. It shows early signs that this pill could help people with type 2 diabetes and obesity control their health in a new, easier way.
The pill may offer blood sugar control and fat burning without the usual side effects—and it may even help people stay strong by protecting their muscles.
The research findings can be found in the journal Cell.
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