The all-time prevalent warning message from health care professionals globally is to cut down on sugar, and keep healthy. Now there is a new research which suggests the feasibility of having sugar, and keeping healthy at the same time, even if this sounds too good to be true.

In the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Study leaders Drs. Marc Prentki and Murthy Madiraju, from the University of Montreal in Canada, and colleagues reveal the discovery of an enzyme called glycerol 3-phosphate phosphatase (G3PP) that can clear excess sugar from cells, reducing the likelihood of toxicity from high glucose levels.

Glucose and fatty acids are key nutrients in the body. However, excess glucose and fatty acids can prove harmful; it can interfere with the function of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, for example. Since insulin is a key player in glucose regulation and fat utilization, any abnormalities in its production can increase the risk of diabetes and obesity. Dr. Prentki explains that when the body is subjected to an abnormally high intake of glucose - through high consumption of sugary foods, for example - levels of glycerol-3 phosphate reach excessive levels, which can harm various cells and tissues, including beta cells.

In their study, the researchers found that G3PP has the ability to break down some of the excess glycerol-3 phosphate and steer it away from cells, protecting beta cells and certain organs from the toxic effects of high glucose levels. The researchers hope their findings open the door to new therapeutic strategies for obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome; they are already in the process of uncovering small-molecule activators of G3PP.