Smart Insulin Developed for Diabetes Treatment

 

    Diabetes affects over 500 million people globally. It leads to nearly 7 million deaths annually. The disease is marked by high blood sugar levels. Recently, scientists announced a breakthrough in diabetes treatment. They developed a smart insulin that reacts in real time to blood sugar changes. This research was published in the journal Nature.

About Diabetes

There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2.
  • Type 1 Diabetes: Often begins in childhood. The pancreas produces little or no insulin.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: The body’s cells resist insulin. More insulin is needed than the pancreas can produce.
     Both types are managed with synthetic insulin. However, insulin management is complex. Blood glucose levels fluctuate throughout the day. Too much insulin can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels. Patients must frequently monitor their blood sugar and adjust their insulin doses.

Challenges in Insulin Management

    For decades, researchers have sought glucose-sensitive insulin therapies. Current systems store insulin in the body and release it based on blood sugar levels detected by a sensor. This approach has limitations. It does not provide real-time responses to blood sugar changes.

Engineering a New Insulin

    The recent study involved an international team from Denmark, the UK, Czechia, and the University of Bristol. They modified the insulin molecule to create an on-and-off switch. This new insulin, named NNC2215, has two key components: 1. A ring-shaped structure. 2. A glucoside molecule, similar to glucose. When blood sugar is low, the glucoside binds to the ring. This keeps the insulin inactive, preventing further drops in blood sugar. As blood glucose rises, glucose replaces the glucoside. This change activates the insulin, lowering blood sugar to safer levels.

Potential Impact on Diabetes Management

    Experts express hope that this innovation will ease the challenges of managing blood sugar levels. It could improve the quality of life for millions who rely on insulin therapy.

Testing and Development

    Researchers tested NNC2215 in rats and pigs. The results showed it effectively lowered blood glucose levels, similar to human insulin. Human trials are planned for the near future.

Current Limitations

    Despite its promise, NNC2215 has some challenges. Its activation is not gradual. A spike in glucose is needed to activate the insulin. Once activated, there is a rapid release of insulin into the system. Scientists are working on refining the molecule. The goal is to ensure a gradual activation, allowing insulin levels to rise more slowly.

Future Directions

    Refining NNC2215 is essential for its success. Researchers are focused on improving its response to blood sugar changes. The hope is to create a safer, more effective insulin therapy for diabetes patients worldwide

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Dengue Surge Linked to Climate Change

Image
  Dengue Surge Linked to Climate Change      Dengue fever cases are at record levels worldwide, with studies linking 19% of the rise to climate change, which is expected to worsen by 2050. Predictions indicate a potential 40-60% rise in cases, with some areas facing increases of 150-200%. Current Global Context      Recently, nearly 12 million dengue cases were reported in the Americas. This marks an important rise from 4.6 million in 2023. Locally acquired infections have emerged in California and Florida. India is also experiencing a surge in cases. Research Findings      Researchers from Stanford and Harvard conducted a study on dengue incidence. They analyzed data from 21 countries in Asia and the Americas. The results show a direct correlation between rising temperatures and increasing dengue infections.      Dengue can cause mild to severe symptoms. Severe cases may lead to bleeding and shock. There are no specif...
Read more

Clean Ganga Mission to Start Dolphin Ambulance

Image
  Clean Ganga Mission to Start Dolphin Ambulance      The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is actively promoting conservation efforts and targeting the Ganga River’s biodiversity. They focus particularly on endangered species like the Ganga Dolphin . Recent developments include the introduction of a Dolphin Ambulance. This vehicle will aid in rescuing injured dolphins, which are crucial to the river’s ecosystem. Dolphin Ambulance Initiative      The Dolphin Ambulance project is titled Advancing Rescue System for the Protection of Stranded Ganges River Dolphins, which has a budget of Rs 1 crore. The ambulance will provide immediate care to injured dolphins. The initiative aims to enhance public awareness about dolphin conservation. Training will be provided to local communities. This training focuses on the effective management of dolphin-related issues. Additional Conservation Projects      NMCG has approved several other proje...
Read more

Operation Dronagiri

Image
  Operation Dronagiri      Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology , introduced Operation Dronagiri, which aligns with the National Geospatial Policy 2022. It aims to showcase geospatial technologies to enhance citizens’ quality of life and streamline business operations. Objectives of Operation Dronagiri      Operation Dronagiri focuses on three key sectors: Agriculture, Livelihoods, and Logistics and Transport. The initiative will be implemented in five states: Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Pilot projects will demonstrate the integration of geospatial data in these sectors.      The project will involve various stakeholders, including government departments, industries, corporates, and startups. This collaborative approach aims to create a robust foundation for a nationwide rollout. Engagement from the private sector is crucial for the project’s success. In...
Read more