Scientists around the world are approaching a significant breakthrough in the treatment of type 1 diabetes. Insulin that responds to blood sugar levels in real-time could become the new standard of care for millions of people. This “smart” insulin, which activates only when blood sugar levels are high, promises to significantly reduce the burden on patients who currently have to inject insulin multiple times a day.
For people with type 1 diabetes, constant fluctuations in blood sugar levels are a serious issue. High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can lead to complications, while low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) poses a life-threatening risk. Current insulins stabilize blood sugar levels but cannot maintain them within the normal range for long periods, requiring frequent injections.
Scientific teams from the USA, Australia, and China have developed new types of insulin that only act when necessary. These insulins, known as glucose-responsive insulins (GRIs), activate only when blood sugar levels rise and automatically shut off when levels return to normal. This not only minimizes the risks of hypoglycemia but could also reduce the frequency of injections to once a week.
The development of smart insulins has attracted significant investment, particularly from the Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge, which includes a partnership between Diabetes UK, JDRF, and the Steve Morgan Foundation. More than £50 million has already been invested in this direction, aimed at rapidly advancing and testing new medications.
In addition to GRIs, research is ongoing into other promising types of insulin, including ultra-rapid-acting insulins that may be more effective when used in insulin pumps. There are also projects exploring the combination of insulin with glucagon—a hormone that stimulates glucose release from the liver when blood sugar is low.
These new studies could revolutionize diabetes treatment, making life easier for millions of people. Scientists believe that these developments will not only improve the physical health of patients but also positively impact their mental well-being by relieving the constant burden of blood sugar control. As Dr. Elizabeth Robertson from Diabetes UK noted, these new insulins could be a true breakthrough in the fight against type 1 diabetes, significantly improving the quality of life for people with this condition.