University of Haifa researchers have discovered a yeast-derived substance called Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF) that acts similarly to insulin and may become an oral treatment for diabetes and its complications.

In the studies–done on cell cultures and on diabetic rats–GTF inhibited oxidation processes that could cause atherosclerosis and further complications like strokes and heart attacks. When GTF was given at the early stage of the disease, it could prevent or delay renal complications. GTF also helped to prevent cataracts and retinal damage.