Scientists have developed a “smart” insulin that responds in real time to fluctuations in one’s blood sugar level.
- The newly developed insulin named NNC2215 comprises two parts: a ring-shaped structure, and a molecule with a similar shape to glucose called a glucoside.
- When blood sugar levels are low, the glucoside binds to the ring, keeping the insulin in an inactive state to prevent further lowering of blood sugar. But, as blood glucose rises, the glucoside is replaced by glucose itself, triggering the insulin to shift its shape and become active, helping bring blood sugar levels down to safer ranges.
- Researchers who developed NNC2215 found it to be as effective as human insulin at lowering blood glucose in rats and pigs. Human trials will be conducted in the near future.
