Self-regulating smart patch automatically delivers insulin when needed into the bloodstream

Orange County, CA - January 23rd 2017 - Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, and Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have come together to develop an innovative skin patch capable of self-regulated delivery of insulin in cases of raised glucose levels. Its microneedle technology could dramatically enhance diabetes management by rendering the constant monitoring of blood-glucose levels and daily insulin shots unnecessary.

There are 29.1million people in the US alone living with diabetes that must continuously monitor their glucose levels. Those with Type 1 diabetes do not make insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood glucose, while those with Type 2 diabetes cannot use their insulin properly. Both types result in an excessive amount of glucose in the blood stream that can lead to medical complications calling for affirmative action such as amputation. Monitoring these levels requires individuals to prick their fingers to obtain blood samples, some check in excess of f 11 times a day. Despite this nimiety of monitoring, levels can still need leveling and a self-injection of insulin may be necessary.

The “smart” patch is comprised of small, hallow, microneedles loaded with capsules of insulin. The microneedles are made from a peroxide-reacting polymer containing a glucose oxidase. When the oxidase reacts to the rising glucose levels, H2O2 is produced to break down the needles and release the capsules of insulin. With the eruption of these capsules the need for daily pricks and injections can be bypassed.

Self-regulating smart patch automatically delivers insulin when needed into the bloodstream

The microneedles are attached to the upper layer of the skin, missing the nerves therefore absolving the pain experienced in past procedures. This method also reduces the risk of spikes or hazardous drops in glucose levels, like hypoglycemia, due to this automatic maintenance system.

The patch has yet to be tested in humans, but proved successful in trials on mice. Diabetic mice were injected with a shot of glucose while wearing the patch and their vitals were monitored. Though their blood glucose levels climbed upward initially, the patch was able to reduce the levels to normal within two hours. More trials are being undertaken by the research team in hopes of making the treatment available to humans. If successful the device could transform diabetes management.

To learn more about their study click here.

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Self-regulating smart patch automatically delivers insulin when needed into the bloodstream Orange County, CA – January 23rd 2017 – Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, and Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have come together to develop an innovative skin patch capable of self-regulated […]