Maybe even diabetics may soon be able to have their cake and eat it, too. New research out of the University of Montreal has identified a novel enzyme that appears to offer protection against the toxic effects of excess sugar.

The finding, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could allow individuals to enjoy sugary treats without worrying about the health implications, Medical News Today reports.

The enzyme — called glycerol 3-phosphate phosphatase (G3PP) — can clear excess sugar from cells, reducing the likelihood of toxicity from high glucose levels, say lead researchers Drs. Marc Prentki and Murthy Madiraju.

They say their discovery paves the way for new treatments for obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

"By diverting glucose … G3PP prevents excessive formation and storage of fat and it also lowers excessive production of glucose in liver, a major problem in diabetes, “explains Dr. Madiraju.
While the discovery is promising, the researchers stressed that they will need to conduct a number of animal trials before they can be developed for use in humans.

Fast facts about sugar:
•    Americans consume an average of 30 teaspoons of sugar daily.
•    Almost half of Americans' sugar intake comes from soda and fruit drinks,
•    A single can of soda contains around 8.25 teaspoons of sugar.