TREATMENT for millions who suffer from type 1 diabetes is set to be completely revolutionised.
Scientists have now developed a type of smart insulin that responds in real time, to whenever it is needed within the body.
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The “holy grail” insulin mimics bodily changes in blood sugar levels, reducing the number of times sufferers need to treat themselves.
Around 220,000 Brits live with type 1 diabetes, including actor James Norton and former Prime Minister Theresa May.
Unlike type 2 diabetes, there is nothing you can do to prevent yourself or others from developing type 1 diabetes.
The lifelong condition destroys cells in the pancreas that produce the hormone insulin, which helps control blood sugar levels.
Type 1 diabetics currently must inject themselves with synthetic insulin up to 10 times daily to survive.
The constant fluctuation between high and low blood sugar levels can result in several serious health issues including eye damage and heart disease.
Standard insulins stabilise blood sugar levels when they enter the body.
But once it has done its job, it cannot help prevent any more spikes.
This is why patients need to inject more insulin again within just a few hours.
In the future, experts believe sufferers may only need to take the newly developed insulin once a week.
They also believe this solution comes as close to a cure for type 1 diabetes as any drug therapy could.
Millions of pounds of funding have been awarded to fast-track the development of the new glucose-responsive insulin (GRI), The Guardian reported.
Scientosts at Stanford University in the US, Monash University in Australia, and Zhejiang University in China are among those that have received £3million for six research projects to develop smart insulins.
Four of the projects are aimed at developing new GRIs, while another has been launched to find an ultra-fast-acting variant.
Dr Tim Heise, the vice-chair of the novel insulins scientific advisory panel for the Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge said the new GRIs would be the “holy grail” of insulin.
He said the innovation would greatly help patients who currently have to manage their condition daily, balancing their glycaemic control while avoiding hypoglycaemia.
Dr Elizabeth Robertson, the director of research at Diabetes UK said the new solution would “significantly reduce the daily challenges” as well as the physical and mental health of those managing the disease.
Exciting new diabetes treatments on the horizon
Managing diabetes is becoming easier and more promising with a wave of innovative treatments on the way.
From devices that automate insulin delivery to groundbreaking research aimed at curing the disease, the future of diabetes care is bright.
Here’s a look at some of the most exciting developments that could transform the lives of millions living with diabetes.
Artificial Pancreas: Devices that automatically manage insulin levels, making life easier for patients.
Smart Insulin: Insulin that activates only when needed, reducing the risk of low blood sugar.
Stem Cell Therapy: Potential to regenerate insulin-producing cells, offering hope for a cure.
Oral Insulin: Pills to replace injections, making diabetes management less invasive.
Gene Editing: Future possibilities of correcting diabetes-causing genes for a permanent cure.