Smart microneedle insulin patch could make it easier to treat diabetes

Close to 10% of the U.S. population, around 30.3 million people, have diabetes. A new treatment delivery system created by bioengineers at the University of North Carolina and the
University of California, Los Angeles could help make life easier for them — via a smart insulin patch that’s about the size of a quarter. All a patient would need to use it would be to slap on a new patch at the start of the day, after which it would monitor and manage glucose levels for the next 24 hours.

“It is smart and simple, which means it could help enhance the health and quality of life for people with diabetes,” Zhen Gu, the study leader and a professor of bioengineering at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering, told Digital Trends. “It is a smart glucose-responsive insulin release device because it can respond to high blood sugar levels and release only the necessary insulin dosage, thus reducing the risk of hypoglycemia. This is a small and disposable device, so it is very simple and convenient to use; one can remove the patch any time to stop the administration of insulin.”

The glucose-monitoring adhesive patch is covered in tiny microneedles, each one less than a millimeter in length. They are made from a glucose-sensing polymer and come pre-loaded with insulin. When the patch is applied, the microneedles penetrate the skin and start measuring blood sugar levels. If the glucose levels increase, the polymer triggers the release of insulin. At the point at which levels return to normal, the patch’s insulin delivery also slows down. While this approach still involves pricking the patient with a needle, these needles are much smaller than regular needles. As a result, the patch is less painful than an ordinary injection.

So far, the patch has been successful in studies involving pigs. The researchers were able to use it to successfully control the glucose levels in these animals, which had Type I diabetes, for around 20 hours. Next, the researchers are hoping to progress to further trials, with the goal of commercializing their technology.

“This patch has already been accepted by FDA’s emerging technology programs for clinical trial applications,” Gu said.

A paper describing the research was recently published in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering.

Related posts

Latest posts

TSMC in dilemma as US pushes ‘Made in USA’ strategy with Intel

The U.S. government has given the Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer TSMC three proposals to keep producing with the country, which brought up several challenges.

I’ve found a perfect use for the Galaxy Ring, but I can’t recommend it

The Samsung Galaxy Ring was a miss for me — but I've still managed to find the perfect use for it. Only, I can't recommend it to anyone. Here's why.

Why I’m sad this delightful iPhone camera is about to go away

It looks certain Apple will take the 12-megapixel away from its cheapest iPhone very soon. Let me explain why I'm sad about it.

Moto G Power 2025 review: A solid $300 phone

What makes the Moto G Power 2025 a great phone despite being just $300? Find out in our review.

7 years of updates aren’t what you think they are and Samsung just proved it

The Galaxy S24 will miss out on features the hardware can't support.

Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Powerbeats Pro: A killer upgrade for runners and gym nuts alike

Apple took almost six years to upgrade the Powerbeats Pro, so are the Powerbeats Pro 2 worth the wait? You

How to download TikTok videos on Android

If you find a favorite TikTok video you want to keep or download to watch offline, it's easy to do

Garmin Instinct 3 vs. 2X vs. 2: Every key upgrade

The Garmin Instinct 3 vs. 2 has major differences in battery life, accuracy, smarts, display quality, and memory, but the

Top Stories: ‘Apple Launch’ Next Week, Powerbeats Pro 2 Debut, and More

Apple is in the middle of trickling out a variety of announcements including Powerbeats Pro 2 and an Apple TV+

10+ Announcements Apple Could Have Rolled Into a February Event

Apple appears to have enough upcoming product announcements to justify a full event this month, yet all signs indicate these