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In a major breakthrough for diabetes care, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have unveiled a new implantable device designed to automatically release lifesaving medication when blood sugar levels drop to dangerously low levels—a condition known as hypoglycemia.
For individuals with Type 1 diabetes, hypoglycemia is a constant risk. Severe drops in blood sugar can lead to confusion, seizures, and even death if not treated promptly. The standard emergency treatment is an injection of the hormone glucagon, which raises blood sugar by prompting the liver to release glucose. However, patients—especially children or those who experience hypoglycemia during sleep—may not always be able to recognize symptoms or administer injections in time.
The new device, developed by a team led by Professor Daniel Anderson of MIT’s Department of Chemical Engineering, is about the size of a quarter and is implanted just under the skin. It contains a reservoir of powdered glucagon, kept stable for long periods, and is sealed with a shape-memory alloy that can be triggered to release the drug. The device can be activated either manually or automatically by a wireless signal, such as from a continuous glucose monitor detecting dangerously low blood sugar.
“This is a small, emergency-event device that can be placed under the skin, where it is ready to act if the patient’s blood sugar drops too low,” said Professor Anderson. “Our goal was to build a device that is always ready to protect patients from low blood sugar. We think this can also help relieve the fear of hypoglycemia that many patients, and their parents, suffer from.”
In animal studies, the device was able to release glucagon within minutes of activation, quickly restoring normal blood sugar levels in diabetic mice. The technology could also be adapted to deliver other emergency medications, such as epinephrine for severe allergic reactions.
The research team is now working to extend the device’s lifespan and plans to begin clinical trials in humans within the next three years. The project received funding from the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, the National Institutes of Health, and other organizations.
: This article is based on preliminary research findings. The implantable device is not yet available for clinical use and has so far only been tested in animal models. Further studies and regulatory approvals are necessary before it can be considered for widespread use in humans.
