Can Ants Get Diabetes?
WouterWhether ants can get diabetes is not fully understood. There are some studies that suggest the possibility, however, and others that say that insects cannot have the disease.
Ants are known to be attracted to urine, but this does not mean that ants can get diabetes. Ants are drawn to urine when it is high in glucose. If ants are consuming a large amount of sugar, they will die. The kidneys help to control the glucose levels in the urine.
Insects are also known to produce an insulin-like substance. Various fruit flies produce this substance, which is similar to insulin.
Insects are considered to be a sustainable source of animal protein, because of their low environmental impact. However, the nutritional value of ants varies from species to species. Some are completely blind, while others have excellent vision.
There are also differences in the amount of protein and fiber found in ants depending on their metamorphic stage. Ants in the leaf-cutting stage contain 42-53 grams of protein per 100 grams of weight. Ants living more than 60 miles from the ocean may require more salt.
While there is not a lot of scientific evidence to support the idea that insects can get diabetes, there are some studies that suggest that they might be a good source of antioxidants, which can help prevent oxidative stress-related diseases. In addition, chitin, an insoluble fiber found in insects, may support heart health.
There are also some insect species that produce gases that smell like urine. Some insects are considered toxic, though most of them do not cause any symptoms. In some cases, eating poisonous ants can cause fatal allergic reactions.
