5 Animals with Venom Used in Medical Research

3. The Gila Monster and Diabetes Treatment

The Gila monster, a venomous lizard native to the southwestern United States, has provided valuable insights into diabetes treatment. Its venom contains a hormone called exendin-4, which mimics the action of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in humans. This hormone regulates blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin secretion and slowing gastric emptying. Exendin-4 was developed into the drug exenatide, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential of venom-derived compounds in addressing metabolic disorders and highlights the importance of studying diverse venomous species for medical applications.