Chemical engineer Prof Zhiqiang Cao and his team at the Wayne State University, USA aims to develop an even smarter insulin that can precisely manage blood glucose like a healthy pancreas.  

Developing smarter insulins

Trying to keep blood glucose levels in a target range is a constant challenge and burden for people with type 1 diabetes. Scientists are working to develop ‘smart insulins’ which can detect changes in blood glucose levels and respond by releasing the right amount of insulin at the right time. 

Prof Cao said:

“It is truly an honour to be recognised by the Novel Insulins Innovation Incubator funding panel. This award supports us in advancing our concept of glucose-responsive insulin injections. Our goal is to develop a product that addresses both mealtime and basal insulin needs, alleviating the constant management burden for people living with type 1 diabetes.”

What will Prof Cao do in this project?

Prof Cao previously developed a unique glucose-responsive insulin that overcame some of the issues linked to other smart insulin designs. Some smart insulins aren’t as powerful as currently available insulins, so people with type 1 diabetes need to take higher doses to have the same effect on lowering their blood glucose levels. 

In this project, the team plan to develop a novel insulin that addresses these problems, is more sensitive to changing glucose levels, and meets the needs of people living with type 1 diabetes better. Using a confidential new method, the team will optimise their design, checking its effectiveness and safety. They hope their insights will speed up the progression of ‘smarter’ smart insulins into clinical trials with people living with type 1 diabetes. 

How will this research help people with type 1 diabetes?

Prof Cao’s smart insulin would mean people with type 1 diabetes would experience fewer hypers and hypos, helping to lower anxiety about diabetes complications. It would also relieve people of the relentless burden of managing their condition, with fewer insulin injections and less blood glucose monitoring.