It has been reported in Podiatry Now that proteins which are targeted in botox treatment may play a role in the development of a new treatment therapy for type 2 diabetes.

Scientists from Heriot-Watt University of Edinburgh are attempting to identify how the release of insulin is regulated by the body. SNARE proteins which are used in Botox treatment due to the effects on muscle contraction are being targeted by Dr Colin Rickman and his team.

These proteins are involved in the function of the human pancreas and the release of insulin. The team are hoping to discover why these SNARE proteins are responsible for insulin secretion. Once the normal behaviour of these proteins is understood it can then be compared with the behaviour of these proteins in those with Type 2 diabetes.