Grapes skins 'may help diabetics'

Grape skins could be a natural solution to stop complications in people with diabetes, according to new research from a South West medical school.

The skins contain a compound called resveratrol, which is also found in seeds, peanuts and red wine.

The Peninsula Medical School (PMS) research shows it protects against damage to blood vessels caused by the high levels of glucose in diabetics.

The condition can lead to kidney and heart disease.

'More research'

The research is published in the science journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism this week .

Dr Matt Whiteman, senior lecturer at the Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science said: "Resveratrol's antioxidant effects in the test tube are well documented but our research shows the link between high levels of glucose, its damaging effect on cell structure, and the ability of resveratrol of protect against and mend that damage."

Dr Victoria King, research manager at health charity Diabetes UK, said the research was in its preliminary stages.

"Much more research is needed before we can say whether this compound can combat diabetes-related complications," she said.

The PMS is a joint partnership of the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth with support from the region's NHS.