According to a report, salsalate, a pain killer, might help people with type 2 diabetes in controlling their blood sugar levels.

A study reveals that salsalate lowered blood sugar levels and helped with glycemic control at a range of doses in people with type 2 diabetes. However, it also has been known to increase protein in the urine, which poses negative effects on kidney function.

Researchers feel that its long-term benefits will need further research.

Salsalate, like aspirin, is an anti-inflammatory drug obtained from salicylate and is often used in the treatment of arthritis. Salsalate includes the same active ingredient as aspirin, but has comparatively less side effects.

However, researchers feel that it’s too early to suggest salsalate use for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. But the results do make way for further investigation.

Researchers Allison B. Goldfine, MD, of the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, and colleagues, said, "Because of salsalate's anti-inflammatory effects, our results suggest that inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of type
2 diabetes and that anti-inflammatory therapy may be useful for treating diabetes".