The mechanism of action of
BOTOX® and understanding how it works may prove to be useful in the diagnosis
and treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. What do BOTOX® and Type 2 Diabetes have to do
with each other you ask? A new study
reports that proteins affected by injections of the wrinkle relaxer BOTOX®
could help scientists develop new ways to treat Type 2 Diabetes. BOTOX®
Cosmetic is best known as an injection for helping patient smooth fine lines
and wrinkles in order to look their best.
BOTOX® is also used as treatment for
a number of medical conditions including migraine, urinary incontinence,
profuse sweating and crossed eyes, among others. In each of these cases, BOTOX®
works because it has a paralyzing effect: that is, it relaxes specific muscles,
which then provides the desired effect. BOTOX® accomplishes this effect by
blocking certain proteins called SNARE (Soluble NSF Attachment Protein
Receptor) proteins. It turns out that SNARE proteins in the beta cells of the pancreas
help the pancreas secrete insulin, thus blocking these proteins in the pancreas
could lead to insulin resistance which is the hallmark of Type 2 Diabetes.
Understanding this mechanism will hopefully provide researchers with new ways
to diagnose and treat Type 2 Diabetes in the future.
If you or someone you know would like
to learn about how our understanding of BOTOX® and how it works might be
helpful in diagnosing and treating Type 2 Diabetes should feel free to call The Eye Care & Surgery Center at
908-789-8999, visit The Eye Care &
Surgery Center or facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter to schedule an
appointment.
With
locations at 592 Springfield Avenue, Westfield, New Jersey 07090, 10
Mountain Boulevard, Warren, New Jersey 07059 and 517 Route One South, Suite
1100, Iselin, New Jersey 08830, The Eye Care &
Surgery Center is a leading NJ eye care practice conveniently located for
patients from throughout central and northern New Jersey.
