A remote control that fires sound waves into the body could replace daily insulin jabs for diabetes.
The device, similar in size to a TV remote, is pointed at the upper arm, where a tiny implant is placed under the skin.
This implant contains a reservoir of insulin that can last for ten days.
As the sound waves hit the implant, they trigger it to allow small amounts of insulin to seep into the bloodstream. When the remote is switched off, the particles of the implant's surface close again, sealing the remaining insulin inside.
An implant containing a reservoir of insulin is activated by sound waves, allowing small amounts to seep in
The technique, which has been tested on mice, could eventually mean thousands of diabetes patients no longer have to inject the hormone up to four times a day.
Diabetes affects about 2.9 million Britons. It occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin or its output drops sharply.
Insulin helps muscles absorb sugar from the blood to burn as fuel. Without the right levels of this hormone, irreversible damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, heart and major arteries can ensue.
Type 1 diabetes tends to affect young people, who often need daily insulin jabs for the rest of their lives.
Type 1 diabetes tends to affect young people, who often need daily insulin jabs for the rest of their lives.
source-dailym
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