My Alma Mater is working to help all those with Type 1 Diabetes, developing oral insulin tablets to replace insulin injections.
THE STORY
A research team at the University of British Columbia has made a significant breakthrough in developing oral insulin tablets to replace the need for daily insulin injections.
“Their promising findings indicate progress toward creating an insulin formulation that eliminates the necessity for injections. This advancement could enhance the quality of life and mental well-being for more than “nine million people worldwide living with Type 1 diabetes,” states Professor Dr. Anubhav Pratap-Singh, the lead investigator from the Faculty of Land and Food Systems at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC.
Dr. Pratap-Singh shares that his quest for a non-injectable insulin delivery method was inspired by his father, who has relied on insulin injections up to four times daily for the past 15 years.
According to Dr. Alberto Baldelli, a senior researcher in Dr. Pratap-Singh's lab, nearly all insulin from their newly developed tablets is directed to the liver. This is a significant advancement, as effective insulin delivery to the liver is crucial for managing blood glucose levels in individuals with diabetes. In contrast, previous attempts at creating oral insulin resulted in insulin accumulating in the stomach, which is less effective and may degrade before reaching its target. This innovative approach not only enhances the efficiency of insulin absorption but also potentially improves the quality of life for countless diabetics by providing a less invasive and more convenient treatment method.
With their testing, after two hours of ingestion, all the insulin was in the liver, indicating a successful delivery mechanism. This outcome shows that the oral insulin tablets effectively mimic injected insulin, optimizing metabolic control. It works!
REVOLUTIONIZING DELIVERY METHODS
Injecting insulin is uncomfortable and inconvenient. The team at UBC wanted to develop an oral tablet, recognizing that the challenge was getting the insulin where it needed to go.
“For injected insulin, a typical dose is usually about 100 units per shot. In contrast, other oral insulin products, which go through the stomach, may require up to 500 units—most of which are lost, presenting a substantial challenge we’ve aimed to address,” explained the researchers.
BROADER IMPLICATION
The study has not yet reached human trials. Dr. Pratap-Singh indicates that additional time, funding, and collaboration will be required before that can occur. However, he believes this orally administered tablet could provide several benefits, including sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
Sustainability? Injections require needles and syringe plastics; the pills will reduce the amount of hazardous material going into landfills or having to be burned.
Cost-effectiveness? The expectation is there will be an opportunity to lower the cost of insulin per dose as a pill can be manufactured more efficiently and transported more easily, reducing cost.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the groundbreaking work being done at the University of British Columbia represents a hopeful future for the millions living with Type 1 diabetes. By developing oral insulin tablets, researchers are addressing critical challenges associated with insulin delivery, providing a more comfortable and convenient alternative to injections. This innovative advancement not only improves the efficiency of insulin absorption but also holds promise for reducing medical waste and lowering treatment costs. As the study progresses toward human trials, the potential benefits of these oral tablets could transform diabetes management, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for countless individuals worldwide. The journey has just begun, and the possibilities are truly exciting!
Best wishes ...
Vancouver, Canada
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