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In a groundbreaking development, researchers from UiT The Arctic University of Norway have unveiled a novel approach to insulin delivery that could transform the lives of millions of people worldwide suffering from diabetes. The new technique involves a smart insulin that can be consumed through a capsule or, notably, embedded within a piece of chocolate.
With approximately 425 million individuals worldwide grappling with diabetes, of which 75 million rely on daily insulin injections, this innovation promises a significant shift away from traditional syringes and insulin pumps.
Published in the prestigious journal Nature Nanotechnology, the research showcases the successful testing of the smart insulin on 20 baboons, demonstrating a notable reduction in blood sugar levels. The oral insulin has also undergone trials on mice and rats afflicted with diabetes, showcasing remarkable results.
Unlike conventional injectables and other oral insulins, the animals treated with the new method did not experience low blood sugar events (hypoglycemia), weight gain, or fat accumulation in the liver. The researchers believe this marks a pivotal advancement in diabetes management.
At the core of the innovation are nano-carriers within the pills, encapsulating the insulin. These particles, measuring 1/10,000th the width of a human hair, are so minuscule that they cannot be observed under a normal microscope.
Professor Peter McCourt at UiT Norway’s Arctic University emphasized the precision of this insulin delivery method, stating, “This way of taking insulin is more precise because it delivers the insulin rapidly to the areas of the body that need it most. When you take insulin with a syringe, it is spread throughout the body where it can cause unwanted side effects.”
To safeguard the insulin from the corrosive effects of stomach acid and digestive enzymes, the researchers designed a protective coating. This shield ensures the insulin remains intact until it reaches its intended destination, the liver, as explained by Professor McCourt, a liver biologist.
The innovative oral insulin has undergone testing on nematodes, mice, and rats, in addition to the baboons in the National Baboon Colony in Australia. To make the oral insulin more palatable, it has been ingeniously incorporated into sugar-free chocolate, a move welcomed by Nicholas J. Hunt of the University of Sydney.
Looking ahead, the researchers anticipate moving to human trials, set to commence in 2025. With optimistic projections, they hope the new medicine could be available for widespread use within the next 2-3 years. This groundbreaking advancement in diabetes management could herald a new era of convenience and effectiveness for those living with the condition worldwide.
