A compound found in red wine has been found to help diabetics lower their blood sugar along with metformin, the most widely prescribed Type 2 diabetic medication.

Researchers at the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute determined that resveratrol, a compound found in red wine, triggers a reduction in blood sugar in the small intestine independently of the drug’s action.

The findings, published in the journal Nature Medicine, are based on experiments involving obese and diabetic rats. The researchers determined metformin and resveratrol activate molecules in the small intestine that trigger the gut, brain, and liver to lower blood sugar.

Resveratrol is a health-boosting compound found in red wine, grapes, peanuts, blueberries and other foods. Although past research on resveratrol has shown promising anti-cancer and anti-inflammation capabilities, the new study is one of the first to suggest it may help reduce blood sugar.

"Almost 80 percent of people living with Type 2 diabetes are overweight or have obesity, making it harder for them to control their blood sugar levels,” said researcher Frank Duca, M.D.

“Our work shows that these two antidiabetic agents target the intestine directly, a previously underappreciated organ in diabetes therapy, to lower blood glucose levels, even in obese rats or those with diabetes. This knowledge will help us to develop more effective, targeted drugs, with less side effects."

The researchers now hope the work will lead to clinical trials involving human patients.