Scientists have developed a “smart” insulin NNC2215  that can adjust in real time to changes in blood sugar levels, a long-sought “holy grail” in diabetes treatment, according to research published in the journal Nature.

About Smart Insulin (NNC2215)

• Smart insulin is a drug designed to circulate in the body and turn on when it’s needed and off when it’s not.
• NNC2215 is a smart insulin that consists of two key components:
  • A ring-shaped structure and a  glucoside molecule (similar in shape to glucose).

How NNC2215 Works? 

• When blood sugar levels are low, the glucoside binds to the ring, keeping the insulin inactive to prevent further lowering of blood sugar.
• As blood glucose levels rise, glucose replaces the glucoside, causing the insulin to change its shape and become active, helping to lower blood sugar to safer levels.

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About Diabetes

• Diabetes is a non-communicable disease (NCD) that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. 
  • Insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar (glucose).

Types of Diabetes

• Type 1 Diabetes: The immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas and the body produces very little or no insulin.
  • Commonly diagnosed in children and young people, hence called Juvenile Diabetes.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Results from the body’s ineffective use of insulin it produces.
  • It is often associated with lifestyle factors and is more common in adults.
• Gestational Diabetes: Occurs in women during pregnancy when the body becomes less sensitive to insulin.
  • Typically temporary but can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later.

Impacts of Diabetes: Diabetes can affect five major organs ie Kidneys, Heart, Blood vessels, Nervous system and Eyes (retina).

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