A School Student in Philippines Discovers Potential Diabetes Cure

Scientists have made several discoveries in the field of medicine lately. Now to add to the discovery a new possible source of antibiotic, a young science student in the Philippines has discovered that the Jamaican cherry, popularly known in the Philippines as aratiles, can potentially cure type 2 diabetes. 

16-year-old Maria Isabel Layson has discovered the antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties of the cherry. The student of Iloilo National High School recently brought her discovery to 2019 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) that was held at Phoenix, Arizona, USA making her the wonder young scientist of the world.

Maria Isabel Layson said Iloilo city, where she lives have large varieties of aratiles, which grew abundantly in their backyard and by the side of the road and is full of anti-oxidants, but were often neglected. That is why she was inspired to study the antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties of the fruit, especially because diabetes has already claimed the lives of many of her family members.

Layson also says, she pursued her study of the disease knowing that diabetes is one of the topmost causes of death not only in the Philippines but also in the entire world. 

Maria Isabel Layson researched to discover the cure was not that easy, she had to travel back and forth regularly to Manila to complete her experiments at the Food and Nutrition Research Institute laboratory. Her hard work paid off finally.

Gradually, she discovered that the aratiles fruit is a great source of antioxidants and as she says, “in practical application that can be directed towards the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus through the prevention of postprandial hyperglycemia. The inspiration of my study is the several generations of my family have experienced death of a loved one because of diabetes. It is considered as one of the top causes of death.”

All her finding Maria Isabel Layson has shared through a video, which she has uploaded on YouTube.

Maria Isabel Layson’s research also won the Best Individual Research in Life Science during the Department of Education’s 2019 National Science and Technology Fair (NSTF). She was included among the 12 scientists who are representing the Philippines to compete in the world’s largest pre-college science research competition. 

The Department of Education also hosted a send-off ceremony, in which Layson was one of the recognized individuals by Gokongwei Brothers Foundation Young Scientist Award. Her discovery was among six other entries. 

Maria Isabel Layson also represented the Philippines last month in the 2019 International Science and Engineering Fair held in Arizona, USA, bringing her to the limelight of the world.

Maria Isabel Layson is now also very hopeful that her research can lead to the development of a cost-effective alternative cure for diabetes and anti-diabetic supplements. She also wants to continue her study and research further as she says, “My research won’t end here. It will actually further develop into more specific compounds. We will delve into other diseases.”