Dolphins can control blood sugar levels

A study has revealed how a resistance to insulin in dolphins can be switched on and off, a discovery which researchers hope could help treat type 2 diabetes in humans.

Scientists from the US National Marine Mammal Foundation took blood samples from trained bottlenose dolphins that fed continuously during the day and fasted overnight, according to a report on the BBC website. In the morning when they fed again, it was discovered that the dolphins reverted to a non-fasting state. The overnight changes in their blood chemistry mean that insulin, which reduces the level of glucose in the blood, has no effect on dolphins when they stop eating.