Watch CBS News

Researchers developing smart insulins, may respond to real-time blood sugar changes

Researchers developing smart insulins, may respond to real-time blood sugar changes
Researchers developing smart insulins, may respond to real-time blood sugar changes 01:06

BOSTON - Controlling blood sugars could become even easier for people with type 1 diabetes.

People with type 1 diabetes don't produce enough insulin. They must control their blood sugar with daily injections of insulin or an insulin pump to prevent a host of medical problems including kidney disease, heart disease, or vision loss.

If overcorrected, however, their blood sugar can plummet to dangerously low levels. But now researchers are developing so-called "smart insulins" that could respond to changing blood sugar levels in real-time without the need for pumps, injections, or glucose monitors.

Scientists are also investigating insulins that would only need to be injected once a week and capsules that could be taken by mouth, all with the hope of reducing the burden on people with type 1 diabetes to manage their condition and improve their quality of life.  

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.