London, Oct 6 (PTI): Here's some good news for those suffering from diabetes - scientists are developing a pill to treat or even prevent the most common form of the disease.

A new study on diabetic mice found a compound, called nicotinamide mononucleotide , produced naturally by the body, successfully restored their normal blood sugar metabolism, the Daily Mail reported. The scientists believe this could lead to people taking the compound like a daily vitamin to stop type II diabetes from developing.

In fact, they were able to normalize blood sugar levels in diabetic mice by injecting them with the chemical. At the same time, the jabs lowered raised levels of cholesterol and triglyceride blood fats. The scientists are now working on a way of administering nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) to mice in drinking water.

"Once we can get a grade of NMN that humans can take, we would really like to launch a pilot human study," said study leader Dr Shinichiro Imai from Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis.

The scientists triggered the condition in young, healthy mice by feeding them a high-fat diet. All had reduced levels of a molecule called NAD that harvests energy from nutrients and turns it into a form cells can use. One of NAD's effects is activation of SIRT1, a protein that has been shown to promote healthy metabolism throughout the body.