Living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) requires constant vigilance. People with T1D spend their days monitoring blood sugar levels, calculating carbohydrate intake, and administering insulin regularly to maintain balance. However, emerging research into “smart” insulin could soon change that reality, offering hope for a more manageable future.
This type of insulin, known as glucose-responsive insulin, can potentially revolutionize T1D management. Instead of constant glucose checks and insulin doses, smart insulin would remain inactive in the body until blood sugar levels rise, at which point it would automatically stabilize glucose and return to an inactive state. This mimics the function of a healthy pancreas, freeing patients from the burden of daily calculations and injections.
Six new research projects in the US, China, and Australia are exploring different forms of smart insulin. These initiatives, supported by more than €3 million, aim to develop solutions ranging from ultra-fast insulin to once-a-week injections. The progress made in these areas could soon offer relief for the 9 million people worldwide living with T1D, providing not just physical relief, but mental freedom from the constant demands of the disease.
While these innovations are still in development, the future of type 1 diabetes management looks promising, with smart insulin representing a potential breakthrough in the field.
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