Insulin
This article examines advancements in diabetes.
Implantable Insulin Pumps
Researchers have worked extensively to develop an implantable insulin pump. They have designed a pump that:
- Measures blood sugar levels.
- Provides the required amount of insulin at any given moment.
- Mimics the natural function of the pancreas.
Development of Implantable Capsules
Scientists have made significant progress in developing implantable capsules capable of continuously producing and delivering insulin into the bloodstream. These capsules contain insulin-producing cells (beta cells), which absorb nutrients from the body and use them to produce insulin indefinitely.
A biomedical engineer has been working on these capsules and recently presented his findings at the American Vacuum Society Congress. Previous research results from this scientist were published in November 2001.
Advantages of Implantable Capsules
Manufacturers of these capsules have overcome the issue of biological compatibility, which was a major challenge for other implantable devices. Using microchip technology, they developed a capsule that is undetectable and immune to attacks by the body’s immune system.
The next phase involves clinical trials for long-term use and determining the optimal insulin dosage. It may take several years before these capsules become widely available.
Inhalable Insulin
Although insulin injections are still necessary, inhalable insulin is currently in clinical trials and under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval.
Key features of inhalable insulin:
- The device is about the size of a flashlight.
- The insulin is fast-acting, quickly entering the bloodstream and performing its function.
Insulin Pills
With the discovery of new polymers, more effective types of insulin pills have been developed. These were introduced at a recent American Chemical Society conference.
The polymeric coating of these pills allows insulin to pass through the digestive system without degradation and enter the bloodstream. Currently, these pills are undergoing animal testing.
However, some experts question their effectiveness, given that insulin dosage requirements vary among patients.
New Insulin Formulations
In recent years, new insulin formulations have been developed to simplify insulin regimens and improve glucose control for diabetic patients.
All insulin analogs are produced using recombinant DNA technology. The new insulin types include:
Glargine (Aventis)
- A long-acting basal insulin.
- Provides more continuous activity.
- Has a lower peak effect than NPH insulin.
- Can be used with rapid-acting insulins like Lispro or Aspart to maintain a stable basal insulin level.
Aspart (Novo Nordisk)
- A rapid-acting insulin.
- Can be injected 15 minutes before meals.
- Offers more flexibility in meal timing and portion size.
Lispro Mix 25/75 (Eli Lilly)
- The first mixed insulin analog.
- Contains rapid-acting Lispro and a new human insulin analog, NPL.
- Designed for patients who need better post-meal glucose control and use insulin pens.
New Drug for Type 2 Diabetes
Australian scientists, in collaboration with the pharmaceutical company Diakine, have introduced a new drug called Lisofylline for treating Type 2 diabetes.
Researchers believe that Lisofylline, an anti-inflammatory drug, may be effective by preventing the production of ceramide, a byproduct of fat metabolism linked to insulin resistance.
- Lisofylline improves insulin function across various conditions.
- It has potential for treating obesity-related insulin resistance.
Currently, Lisofylline is in Phase 1 clinical trials, with no reported safety concerns in healthy individuals. It is also being tested for other medical conditions in Phase 2 trials.
Results suggest that Lisofylline may be used as an oral treatment for Type 2 diabetes.
Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices
Painless Glucose Testing
The FDA has approved a new glucose monitoring system developed by Amira Medical, now available to consumers.
This system allows patients to:
- Measure blood sugar without the pain of finger pricking.
- Use an integrated lancet and glucose meter.
- Utilize a disposable test strip that draws blood from the upper arm or thigh, where there are fewer nerve endings, reducing pain.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring Device
The FDA has approved a wristwatch-like device for continuous glucose monitoring, providing additional data for diabetes management.
This device works alongside traditional glucose meters and has features such as:
- Extracting interstitial fluid via a mild electrical current.
- Measuring glucose levels in the fluid.
- Providing 12-hour monitoring.
- Performing glucose checks three times per hour.
- An alarm system that alerts the user if blood sugar levels drop to dangerous levels.
The device is available by prescription for individuals 18 years and older.
Diabetes Detection Using Light
A team of specialists has developed a new method for diagnosing diabetes by:
- Shining light on the skin.
- Measuring advanced glycation end-products (AGEs).
These AGEs indicate damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels.
Advantages of Light-Based Diabetes Screening
- The test takes only one minute.
- Uses light with different wavelengths.
- Measures fluorescent light emitted by AGEs.
This method allows for early diabetes detection, even before symptoms appear. The Scout screening device shines different wavelengths of light on the forearm, triggering fluorescent emissions from proteins in the skin affected by AGEs.
By detecting diabetes at the prediabetic stage, lifestyle modifications and dietary changes can prevent or delay disease onset.
The cost of Scout testing is expected to be comparable to current blood sugar tests.
Nano Breath Sensor for Type 1 Diabetes
Scientists have developed a breath sensor that can detect Type 1 diabetes.
Potential Applications:
- Emergency rooms.
- Unconscious patients.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis detection.
- At-home diabetes monitoring.
Professor Sotiris E. Pratsinis and his team in Zurich have developed:
- A nano-sensor highly sensitive to acetone.
- Gold-plated electrodes.
- A device that functions like an electrical resistor.
Since acetone levels in exhaled breath are unusually high in Type 1 diabetes, this sensor helps identify dangerous ketoacidosis.
When light is directed at the nanotubes, they emit a different wavelength detected by a diode, allowing measurement of blood sugar levels.
The wearable monitor is about the size of a watch and, depending on battery size, may become even smaller.
Glucose Tattoo
In the future, diabetics may be able to monitor blood sugar levels just by looking at a tattoo.
This would be possible through:
- Injecting a fluorescent nanoparticle-based ink under the skin.
- The tattoo glowing in response to blood sugar levels.
This innovation could revolutionize non-invasive glucose monitoring for diabetics.