Diabetes drug 'could save lives'

Kyle Gibson did his research in Inverness

A medical student has carried out research into a potentially lifesaving drug for diabetics who are at risk from heart attacks and strokes.

Kyle Gibson's work at the UHI Department of Diabetes in Inverness has looked at N-acetylcysteine.

It is used in hospitals to reverse the effects of paracetamol overdoses.

Mr Gibson found it may help to control the "sticky" blood which is common in patients with diabetes and can lead to blood clots.

Glasgow-based health product development company, Scottish Health Innovations Ltd, has agreed to fund a patent application and the next level of testing.

Mr Gibson worked under the supervision of Professor Ian Megson, the UHI LifeScan chair of diabetes, and Professor Sandra MacRury, consultant diabetologist and endocrinologist at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.