Breakthrough smart insulin technology from Zhejiang University shows promise for Type 1 diabetes management
Researchers at Zhejiang University in China have developed and tested a novel smart insulin system aimed at reducing the number of injections needed to keep blood glucose in range for people living with type 1 diabetes. The work was detailed in a peer reviewed scientific journal focused on biomedical engineering.
The technology centers on an insulin variant that has been chemically linked with gluconic acid. This modification enables the insulin to bind to a polymer through strong chemical bonds and electrostatic forces. When the insulin remains attached to the polymer, its activity is temporarily suppressed. A single injection could release a full week’s supply of insulin, cutting down the frequent dosing that characterizes current treatment regimens while minimizing the risk of overdose. Traditional therapies often require multiple injections each day.
A key feature of the system is the structural similarity between glucose and gluconic acid. This likeness allows both molecules to interact with the same polymer in comparable ways. When glucose encounters the insulin-polymer complex, it can displace insulin and form new bonds with the polymer. This interaction also weakens the electrostatic attraction that holds the insulin in place and triggers additional insulin release as needed.
In essence, the approach mirrors the body’s natural response to rising glucose levels, where insulin secretion increases to help normalize blood sugar after meals.
Preclinical tests were conducted in animal models, including mice and miniature pigs. Results indicate that administering a low dose of this smart insulin reliably restores glucose levels to the normal range following meals. The findings suggest clear potential for improving glycemic control while reducing treatment burden.
Looking ahead, researchers plan to advance the work into human trials to assess safety, efficacy, and dosing strategies in people living with type 1 diabetes. The goal is to determine whether this system can provide stable, predictable insulin release aligned with real-time glucose changes.
Earlier efforts in related fields have explored different approaches to anti-obesity therapies, including innovations like vibrating pills, which illustrate the broader interest in responsive, minimally invasive treatment modalities.