Researchers in Australia suggest insulin regulation in the platypus and echidna may lead to new treatments for diabetes in humans.
The same hormone produced in the gut of the platypus to regulate blood glucose is present in their venom.
The hormone is glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).
Humans and animals normally secrete the hormone in their guts to stimulate the release of insulin to lower blood glucose.
The platypus produces it in the gut to regulate blood glucose but also in their venom to ward off rival platypus males during breeding season.
As a result of its dual functions in the platypus the GLP-1 system shows dramatic changes.
The more stable form of GLP-1 that appears in platypus venom is highly desirable as a potential type-2 diabetes treatment
Researchers say further research is needed before the discovery can be turned into a treatment for humans.