The insulin controlling drug Byetta, nicknamed Lizzy and Gilly because the active ingredient was discovered in lizard venom, has both diabetics and non-diabetics raving.

Although the drug is inconvenient to take, requiring refrigeration and two injections a day, its weight-loss side effect has caused a surge in prescriptions.

However, medical professionals are cautious. The side effect of Byetta have not been well-researched, and weight loss occurs only in a minority of cases. Most alarming of all, non-diabetics are using it as a weight-loss aid, though no research has been done into how Byetta would effect people with normal blood sugar levels.

What do you think? Does this drug offer new hope, or is it another sobering reminder that we are a world of shortcuts, always valuing quickness over quality?

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