by Ashis Sinha
New Delhi: Diabetes affects over half a billion people globally, leading to nearly seven million deaths each year. The prevalence of this condition, marked by elevated blood sugar levels, has surged dramatically in recent decades.
In a significant advancement towards transforming diabetes management, researchers have developed a “smart” insulin that dynamically responds to changes in blood sugar levels. This groundbreaking research was published in Nature and represents a major step forward in diabetes treatment.
Diabetes exists in two primary forms, both related to the body’s handling of insulin, the hormone responsible for converting blood sugar into energy. Type 1 diabetes, usually diagnosed in childhood, arises when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, necessitating higher amounts than the pancreas can supply. Currently, both conditions are managed through synthetic insulin administration, which presents challenges due to the constant fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Administering too much insulin can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels, posing life-threatening risks.
For decades, scientists have sought to create glucose-sensitive insulin therapies. The most advanced systems developed thus far involve storing insulin within the body and releasing it based on blood sugar levels detected by sensors.
The latest study, conducted by an international team from Denmark, the UK, Czechia, and the University of Bristol, introduces NNC2215, a novel insulin formulation with an “on-and-off switch.” This modified insulin automatically responds to changes in blood glucose levels.
NNC2215 comprises two components: a ring-shaped structure and a glucoside molecule similar to glucose. When blood sugar levels are low, the glucoside binds to the ring, keeping the insulin inactive and preventing further drops in blood sugar. As glucose levels rise, the glucoside is replaced, activating the insulin to lower blood sugar to safer levels.
Elizabeth Robertson, Director of Research at Diabetes UK, praised the innovation, emphasizing its potential to alleviate the constant burden of managing blood sugar fluctuations, thus improving the physical and mental well-being of millions reliant on insulin therapy.
In tests conducted on rats and pigs, NNC2215 proved to be as effective as human insulin in lowering blood sugar. Human trials are anticipated to begin soon.
However, the current version of NNC2215 has limitations. A significant spike in blood glucose is required to activate and release insulin rapidly rather than gradually. Researchers are actively refining the molecule to ensure a slower, more controlled insulin release.
