. 22/10/2024 10:44 AM
Diabetes affects over 500 million people globally and leads to nearly 7 million deaths annually. Characterized by high blood sugar levels, managing diabetes can be incredibly challenging. Recently, scientists announced a groundbreaking development in diabetes treatment: smart insulin that reacts in real time to changes in blood sugar levels. This innovative research was published in the journal Nature.
There are two primary types of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes: Often begins in childhood and occurs when the pancreas produces little or no insulin.
Type 2 Diabetes: This type develops when the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, requiring more insulin than the pancreas can produce.
Both types are managed with synthetic insulin. However, insulin management is complex due to fluctuating blood glucose levels throughout the day. Administering too much insulin can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), while too little can result in high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Patients must frequently monitor their blood sugar and adjust their insulin doses accordingly.
For decades, researchers have sought to develop glucose-sensitive insulin therapies that can automatically respond to blood sugar changes. Current systems typically store insulin in the body and release it based on readings from sensors. While promising, these approaches do not provide real-time responses to blood sugar fluctuations, leaving patients vulnerable to the complications of diabetes management.
The recent study involved an international team of scientists from Denmark, the UK, Czechia, and the University of Bristol. They engineered a new insulin molecule named NNC2215, incorporating an innovative on-and-off switch. This insulin consists of two key components:
A Ring-Shaped Structure: This structure serves as the core of the insulin molecule.
A Glucoside Molecule: This molecule resembles glucose and binds to the ring structure.
Low Blood Sugar: When blood sugar levels are low, the glucoside binds to the ring, keeping the insulin inactive to prevent further drops in blood sugar.
High Blood Sugar: As blood glucose levels rise, glucose replaces the glucoside, triggering the insulin molecule to change shape and activate. This mechanism allows the insulin to lower blood sugar levels to safer ranges.
In addition to NNC2215, several other research projects focus on developing next-generation insulin therapies. Funded by the Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge, these projects aim to address significant shortcomings in insulin therapy.
Glucose-Responsive Insulins (GRIs): Four new international research projects are exploring GRIs, which can activate only when glucose levels are high. These insulins aim to prevent both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
Monash University, Australia: Developing a second-generation nano sugar-insulin system that uses nanotechnology to respond to blood glucose changes.
Wayne State University, U.S.: Creating a “smart insulin” that detects changes in blood glucose and releases the right amount of insulin at the right time.
Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang University, China: Investigating novel insulins that respond immediately to rising blood glucose levels.
University of Notre Dame, U.S.: Developing a smart insulin delivery system using nanocomplexes to create a reservoir that releases insulin when needed.
Ultrafast Insulin: Scientists at Stanford University are working on developing ultrafast-acting insulin that acts only when needed, aiming to minimize spikes in blood sugar levels.
Combining Insulin with Glucagon: Researchers at Indiana University are focusing on a combined insulin-glucagon formulation to stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.
Experts have expressed optimism about NNC2215 and these other innovations, suggesting they could significantly ease the burden of managing blood sugar levels. This could improve the quality of life for millions who rely on insulin therapy, alleviating the constant anxiety of blood sugar highs and lows.
Initial tests of NNC2215 were conducted in rats and pigs, demonstrating that it effectively lowered blood glucose levels comparably to human insulin. Encouraging results from these animal studies pave the way for planned human trials in the near future, marking a critical step toward widespread availability.
Despite its promise, NNC2215 faces challenges, such as its activation mechanism, which is not gradual; a spike in glucose is needed to trigger insulin activation, resulting in a rapid release of the hormone into the system. Researchers are actively working on refining the molecule to ensure a more gradual activation process.
Refining NNC2215 and other smart insulin formulations is essential for their success in diabetes treatment. Researchers are focused on improving their sensitivity to blood sugar changes to create safer and more effective insulin therapies for diabetes patients worldwide. The ultimate goal is to automate insulin delivery, reducing the need for constant monitoring and manual dose adjustments.
The development of smart insulin, including NNC2215 and various innovative projects, represents a significant advancement in diabetes treatment. By automating the insulin response to blood sugar fluctuations, these therapies hold the potential to transform the lives of millions living with diabetes, making daily management easier and more effective. As research progresses, the hope is that smart insulin will lead to a new era of diabetes care, reducing the burden on patients and improving their overall well-being.
