insulin

A genetically modified cow has produced milk containing human insulin, according to a new study. The proof-of-concept achievement could be scaled up to, eventually, produce enough insulin to ensure availability and reduced cost for all diabetics requiring the life-maintaining drug.Unable to rely on their own supply due to damaged pancreatic cells, type 1 diabetics need injectable insulin to live. As do some type 2 diabetics. The World Health Organization estimates that of those who require insulin, between 150 and 200…

Now some key patents have expired, and the US Food and Drug Administration has paved the way for biosimilar versions of insulin—so-called because they’re almost identical to another product already on the market. For a product to be biosimilar, it must be highly similar in structure to the original and work just as well in patients.Owen’s company, founded in 2020, has designed supercharged E. coli-like bacteria that can produce much greater amounts of insulin than existing strains used in insulin production. To do that,…

Researchers have conducted a study revealing that post-meal insulin surges might indicate good metabolic health, challenging the previously held belief that they are harmful. The study, which focused on long-term cardiometabolic implications in new mothers, found that higher corrected insulin response (CIR) levels are associated with better beta-cell function and a reduced risk of developing pre-diabetes or diabetes. This research could reshape the understanding of insulin’s role in metabolism and weight management.The…

Researchers who’ve developed an oral insulin that has proven effective at reducing blood glucose and avoiding hypoglycemia in mice, rats, and baboons are set to take their drug to human clinical trials as soon as 2025. They’re hopeful it’ll be available to all in a few years.New Atlas has covered a lot of research into oral insulin, from its development to testing in both animal and human trials. It’s understandable that scientists and researchers are invested in developing edible insulin, given that, in 2021, there were…

Recent research has shown that baricitinib, a drug for rheumatoid arthritis, can effectively slow the progression of type 1 diabetes, potentially revolutionizing its management by reducing the need for insulin therapy.A new study reveals that a commonly prescribed rheumatoid arthritis drug may also suppress the development of type 1 diabetes.Researchers at St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research (SVI) in Melbourne have found that a drug typically used for rheumatoid arthritis can also slow down the development of type…

We're another step closer to reducing the need for round-the-clock insulin injections to manage diabetes after a new study showed how insulin-producing cells could be regenerated in the pancreas.The breakthrough was made by getting pancreatic ductal progenitor cells – that give rise to the tissues lining the pancreas's ducts – to develop to mimic the function of the β-cells that are usually ineffective or missing in people with type 1 diabetes.Researchers, led by a team from the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute in…

Researchers have taken a big step forward in the quest to regenerate the pancreatic beta-cells damaged by type 1 diabetes. Using FDA-approved drugs usually given to patients with rare cancers, they reprogrammed pancreatic cells to produce and secrete insulin in response to glucose. The discovery could mean that, one day, diabetics won't need to take multiple daily insulin injections.Pancreatic beta-cells synthesize, store and release insulin. But, in type 1 diabetes (T1D), the immune system selectively destroys these…

Researchers have created a slow-release ‘smart’ insulin that responds to blood glucose levels to provide week-long control with virtually no incidents of low blood sugar. Tested in mice and minipigs, the novel insulin opens the door to once-a-week insulin injections for diabetics.One of the (literal and figurative) pains for a diabetic is the need for multiple daily insulin injections. Insulin replacement therapy aims to maintain normal blood glucose (BG) levels, with diabetics often walking a fine line between…

A Cochrane review reveals that certain types of insulin can be stored effectively at room temperature for months, offering a practical solution for diabetes care in regions without stable refrigeration.A recent Cochrane review has revealed that insulin retains its effectiveness even when stored at room temperature for extended periods. This discovery is particularly significant for individuals with diabetes living in areas with limited access to healthcare or stable powered refrigeration.A recent Cochrane review reveals…

New research has established a direct link between high insulin levels in patients with obesity and Type 2 diabetes and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. This groundbreaking study demonstrates how excess insulin overstimulates pancreatic acinar cells, leading to inflammation and precancerous cells, particularly in the case of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). These findings highlight the importance of maintaining healthy insulin levels and may lead to new strategies for cancer prevention and treatment,…