Smart Insulin Developed for Diabetes Treatment

October 20, 2024

Diabetes affects over 500 million people globally. It leads to nearly 7 million deaths annually. The disease is marked by high blood sugar levels. Recently, scientists announced a breakthrough in diabetes treatment. They developed a smart insulin that reacts in real time to blood sugar changes. This research was published in the journal Nature.

About Diabetes

There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2.

Type 1 Diabetes: Often begins in childhood. The pancreas produces little or no insulin.
Type 2 Diabetes: The body’s cells resist insulin. More insulin is needed than the pancreas can produce.

Both types are managed with synthetic insulin. However, insulin management is complex. Blood glucose levels fluctuate throughout the day. Too much insulin can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels. Patients must frequently monitor their blood sugar and adjust their insulin doses.

Challenges in Insulin Management

For decades, researchers have sought glucose-sensitive insulin therapies. Current systems store insulin in the body and release it based on blood sugar levels detected by a sensor. This approach has limitations. It does not provide real-time responses to blood sugar changes.

Engineering a New Insulin

The recent study involved an international team from Denmark, the UK, Czechia, and the University of Bristol. They modified the insulin molecule to create an on-and-off switch. This new insulin, named NNC2215, has two key components: 1. A ring-shaped structure. 2. A glucoside molecule, similar to glucose. When blood sugar is low, the glucoside binds to the ring. This keeps the insulin inactive, preventing further drops in blood sugar. As blood glucose rises, glucose replaces the glucoside. This change activates the insulin, lowering blood sugar to safer levels.

Potential Impact on Diabetes Management

Experts express hope that this innovation will ease the challenges of managing blood sugar levels. It could improve the quality of life for millions who rely on insulin therapy.

Testing and Development

Researchers tested NNC2215 in rats and pigs. The results showed it effectively lowered blood glucose levels, similar to human insulin. Human trials are planned for the near future.

Current Limitations

Despite its promise, NNC2215 has some challenges. Its activation is not gradual. A spike in glucose is needed to activate the insulin. Once activated, there is a rapid release of insulin into the system. Scientists are working on refining the molecule. The goal is to ensure a gradual activation, allowing insulin levels to rise more slowly.

Future Directions

Refining NNC2215 is essential for its success. Researchers are focused on improving its response to blood sugar changes. The hope is to create a safer, more effective insulin therapy for diabetes patients worldwide

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