Irish researchers have discovered a series of new compounds which mimic the beneficial effects of exercise in people with type 2 diabetes.

Over 370 million people worldwide are estimated to have type 2 diabetes, including some 200,000 in Ireland. Exercise is known to have a beneficial effect on the condition.

Diabetes is associated with abnormally high blood sugar (glucose) levels. While glucose is an essential molecule for energy, elevated levels can have serious adverse effects on the body.

During exercise, cells convert more glucose into usable energy compared to when the body is in a rest state. This usable energy is known as adenosine triphosphate or ATP, The compounds discovered by researchers at Maynooth University make it harder for cells to convert glucose into ATP.

This means that the cells take up more glucose than they normally would, minimising the elevated levels of glucose found in people with type 2 diabetes.

In other words, they mimic the anti-diabetic effects of exercise.

"The benefits of exercise for those suffering with type 2 diabetes have been well documented. The discovery of this series of new compounds that mimic these benefits is a significant development in the treatment of diabetes," commented lead researcher, Dr John Stephens, of Maynooth University's Department of Chemistry.

In laboratory settings, the compounds have so far shown the ability to improve glucose levels and to reduce weight gain at much lower doses than those required by existing diabetes treatments.

As a result, they may help to prevent some of the intestinal problems that are currently linked with higher-dose therapies.

"We are now looking forward to our next phase of research, which will see us undertake further lab studies and early clinical trials. We are still a long way from seeing this reflected on the shelves in pharmacies. However, these compounds have the potential to become an important tool for the treatment of type 2 diabetes for future generations," Dr Stephens explained.

These findings mark the culmination of five years of work and are published in the Journal of Molecular Endocrinology.