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Insulin pill may allow diabetes patients to ditch the needle
Needles may one day be a thing of the past for the thousands of diabetes patients who regularly need insulin injections to control their symptoms, according to scientists at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. Instead, sufferers may be able to pop a simple insulin pill
The researchers have created the pill, which can be taken by mouth, by covering insulin in a special coating. At the moment, insulin can’t be taken in tablet form because enzymes in the stomach destroy it before it can be effective. The coating, called a novel polymer, would protect the insulin until it reached the intestines, ensuring that it was able to enter the blood stream without damage.
‘Oral insulin could make a big difference. Children, elderly people and those with a phobia of needles would benefit particularly if and when insulin capsules become a safe and effective treatment for the condition,’ said Libby Dowling, Care Advisor at Diabetes UK.
Presenting the findings at the British Pharmaceutical Conference in Manchester, lead researcher Dr Colin Thompson said that the pill will not be available for several years and will need further testing. ‘However, our research is taking us a significant step forward towards this important goal and offering hope to people who are living with diabetes.’
Libby Dowling at Diabetes UK commented,'Hundreds of thousands of people have to inject themselves several times a day to control their diabetes. This can cause a great deal of stress to some people and be difficult to come to terms with. Although more research is needed, Diabetes UK would very much like to see insulin capsules one day become a reality.'
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Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.
