Diabetes: Needle-free oral insulin has fewer side effects

Oral use of insulin is more precise, convenient and safe than injecting the substance

According to research data, diabetes is an extremely widespread disease in Brazil, affecting approximately 10% of the Brazilian population Vigitel 2023. And much of this population depends on the use of insulin injections to control the disease, which poses a challenge in treating diabetes.

“In diabetes there is a deficiency in the secretion or action of insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas responsible for controlling blood glucose levels. Therefore, to control blood sugar levels, some diabetic patients must use exogenous insulin, which is usually administered via injections. The problem is that many patients are resistant and uncomfortable with the use of insulin injections, which makes it difficult to adhere to treatment. Furthermore, this method can cause hypoglycemia, with a significant drop in blood glucose levels,” he highlights Debora Berangerendocrinologist, with a specialization in Endocrinology and Metabology at the Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Rio de Janeiro (SCMRJ).

But now researchers have developed a method that allows insulin to be taken orally and has fewer side effects. The discovery was published in January in the scientific journal Nature.

According to Deborah, although many drugs are administered orally, until then this was not possible with insulin.

“This is because insulin is broken down during its passage through the stomach and intestines and, therefore, cannot reach the liver, where it needs to act,” he explains.

Fortunately, researchers were able to get around this problem by creating a coating that protects insulin from being broken down by stomach acids and digestive enzymes, keeping it safe until it reaches the liver, where it is finally broken down by active enzymes only. when blood sugar levels drop. go out.

“In other words, insulin is released only when glucose levels are high, but if these levels are low nothing happens, since the enzymes responsible for breaking down insulin will not be active. This reduces the risk of hypoglycemia, since the release of insulin occurs in a controlled manner based on the patient’s needs, unlike what happens with injections, where the insulin is released all at once,” explains the doctor.

More accurate results

In addition to having fewer side effects, this method of insulin therapy is also more precise, as it quickly delivers the insulin to where it is needed. With injections, the substance spreads throughout the body and can cause serious side effects.

“The new method delivers insulin directly to the liver, where it can be absorbed or enter the bloodstream to circulate throughout the body. With injections, however, much of the insulin ends up in the muscles and adipose tissues, which can lead to fat accumulation and hypoglycemia,” explains the endocrinologist.

The new method was tested on healthy baboons, which showed reduced blood sugar levels. It was also tested on rats and mice with diabetes, which did not suffer from hypoglycemia, fat accumulation or weight gain. And, to make oral insulin more palatable, researchers even incorporated it into sugar-free chocolate, which was well received.

The next step is human trials, which are expected to begin in 2025. Researchers predict that the new drug will be widely available for use within two to three years.

“The oral use of insulin can represent a real revolution in the treatment of diabetes and in the quality of life of patients who suffer from it, since, in addition to having fewer side effects, it is more practical, discreet and comfortable for the patient, without the need of being stuck with a needle and not even refrigerated,” concludes Deborah Beranger.

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Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.