South American lizards, commonly referred to as “monsters,” are known as Gila Monsters. They primarily inhabit arid desert regions, such as Arizona in the United States and Mexico. These reptiles are the largest lizards in South America and rank among the most venomous in the world.
Gila Monsters have short bodies, large heads, and stocky builds. Their bodies are composed of rigid tendons, resembling dinosaurs, making them quite unique among reptiles today. Their skin is hard and bead-like, featuring an intricate pattern of intertwined black and pink colors. The rings on their skin are truly remarkable and visually striking.
Equipped with a long, bifurcated tongue, Gila Monsters can swiftly immobilize their prey with a single bite. Coupled with their potent venom, it is a formidable combination that makes escape virtually impossible for their prey once they are ensnared by these “monsters.” Similar to their reptilian relatives, they primarily feed on insects and fruits, with mice being a favorite meal.
Interestingly, Gila Monsters also feed on other lizard species, and what’s even more astonishing is that they only need to eat 3-4 times a year to maintain good health. The secret to their infrequent feeding lies in their salivary glands, where a special compound assists in extremely slow food digestion.
In the 1990s, Dr. John Eng, while researching active compounds at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, discovered exendin-4 in the saliva of Gila Monsters. This active ingredient closely resembles the hormone glucagon-like-peptide-1 found in the human digestive system, which regulates blood sugar levels but has a prolonged effect.
This discovery highlights the comprehensive nature of the “monsters'” sugar metabolism. Scientists have developed a drug called Byetta, conducting experiments on patients with type 2 diabetes, yielding remarkable results. With just one injection an hour before eating, Byetta can regulate blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of diabetes complications for up to 8 months.
Furthermore, the drug stimulates the pancreas to increase insulin production, necessary for blood sugar control. Presently, this active ingredient serves as a lifeline for many diabetic patients worldwide.
Despite their unique attributes and potential medical significance, Gila Monsters are facing the threat of extinction due to human hunting. This poses a challenge for wildlife conservationists and medical professionals worldwide. It’s essential to strike a balance between the preservation of these remarkable creatures and the advancements they offer in medical research and treatment.
