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Central Florida scientists are saying that citrus crops like grapefruits and grapes contain a compound that could help the diets of diabetes patients and even prevent it. Two scientists discovered a compound called emulin while researching the weight loss properties of grapefruit. The compound is found in the peels of tropical fruits. “This product mimics the activity of insulin,” researcher Joseph Ahrens said.

The idea is to extract the compound from the peel of the fruit, filter and purify it to make a tasteless substance that acts as a sugar buffer when added to foods. Studies in Type-2 diabetic rats showed great results. Rats fed the equivalent of a brownie with emulin showed a drop in glucose by as much as 27 percent.

Emulin works by reducing the amount of carbohydrates absorbed after meals and the amount of glucose manufactured by the liver. It also speeds the removal of excess sugar from the bloodstream. It would become an additive that could be used by mainstream food manufacturers. It is believed that emulin can make eating safer for Type 2 diabetics and perhaps reduce the onset of diabetes.

Double-blinded human trials are under way now and the results should be out within a few weeks. Scientists said if the product is approved by the FDA, it could be on the market within two years.