Scientists have developed a “holy grail” insulin that could transform type 1 diabetes treatment by responding to blood sugar levels in real-time.
This breakthrough insulin, designed to activate only when needed, aims to offer a major advancement in managing the condition. Currently, type 1 diabetes patients must inject synthetic insulin up to 10 times a day to maintain stable blood sugar levels. This constant fluctuation can lead to both physical and mental health issues. The new glucose-responsive insulins (GRIs) are a game-changer. Developed by researchers in the US, Australia, and China, these insulins work by mimicking the body’s natural response to blood sugar changes. They activate only when blood sugar is high and become inactive when levels normalise, potentially reducing the need for frequent injections.
Unlike standard insulins that stabilise blood sugar but don’t adapt to future fluctuations, GRIs offer a more dynamic solution. Experts believe that with these smart insulins, patients might need injections as infrequently as once a week.
This innovation is receiving significant support through grants from the Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge, a collaboration between Diabetes UK, JDRF, and the Steve Morgan Foundation, which is investing £50 million into advancing new treatments for type 1 diabetes.
