Revolutionizing Diabetes Care: New Oral Insulin Technology

KAZI ABUL MONSUR#
A groundbreaking oral insulin delivery system has been developed, offering potential relief for millions of diabetes patients who currently rely on daily injections. This innovation uses nano-carriers, extremely small structures that protect insulin as it travels through the stomach and delivers it directly to the liver. The technology mimics the body’s natural insulin regulation, releasing the hormone only when blood sugar levels are high. This approach minimizes side effects such as hypoglycemia, a common risk with traditional insulin injections.
The nano-carriers are coated to resist stomach acids and only dissolve when they reach the liver. This ensures precise insulin delivery where it’s needed most, improving the efficiency of blood sugar management. Preclinical trials in animals, including baboons, have shown promising results, with no significant side effects or toxicity. The next step involves human trials, slated to begin in 2025, which will focus on the safety and effectiveness of the treatment in people with type 1 diabetes​

If successful, this development could revolutionize diabetes care by providing a more convenient, less invasive option compared to injections. Researchers also highlight its potential economic and quality-of-life benefits for patients worldwide.

Diabetes is a global health challenge affecting millions. The oral insulin innovation aims to address the difficulty of managing blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. Diabetes itself exists in various forms:

Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. People with Type 1 diabetes rely entirely on insulin therapy to manage blood sugar. Type 2 Diabetes: A condition linked to insulin resistance, often influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and diet. While initially managed with diet, exercise, and oral medications, many patients eventually require insulin. Gestational Diabetes: Temporary diabetes occurring during pregnancy, which can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes later.

The oral insulin breakthrough primarily benefits patients requiring insulin therapy, especially those with Type 1 diabetes and advanced Type 2 diabetes. This approach could make diabetes management more natural and less invasive, improving adherence and overall quality of life​.

The new oral insulin is specifically designed for people with diabetes, particularly those who require insulin therapy. This includes: Type 1 Diabetes Patients: These individuals do not produce insulin naturally due to the autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. They rely entirely on external insulin sources. Advanced Type 2 Diabetes Patients: Those who cannot manage their blood sugar levels with diet, exercise, or oral medications alone often need insulin injections.

The oral insulin aims to simplify diabetes management by eliminating the need for injections. The nano-carrier technology delivers insulin directly to the liver, where it acts more naturally, mimicking how the pancreas regulates blood sugar in healthy individuals. This reduces the risk of complications such as hypoglycemia and improves patient convenience and compliance​

If the clinical trials, scheduled to begin in 2025, prove successful, this innovation could be transformative for diabetes care worldwide. The new oral insulin, still under development, is designed to provide a more natural and convenient way to manage diabetes. It uses nano-carriers—tiny protective structures that deliver insulin directly to the liver, closely mimicking the body’s natural insulin regulation. The oral insulin does not yet have a finalized generic or brand name, as it is still in preclinical stages. The technology is being developed by a collaboration between researchers at the University of Sydney, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, and the spin-out company Endo Axiom Pty Ltd. Human trials are planned for 2025​.#