Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin or vice versa, when the body cannot effectively use the insulin produced. To overcome this disease, people with diabetes are recommended to undergo a series of treatments, such as taking drugs or injecting insulin. Injection of insulin is usually given to diabetics with uncontrollable blood sugar levels

Insulin injection is usually done by injecting insulin directly into certain parts of the body, usually in the arms or abdomen. This method is often considered scary by most people with diabetes. Some of them are afraid and need help from others to inject insulin.

Over time, researchers continue to try to create insulin injection methods that are easier to do for diabetics. Finally, in a study conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a method was found to produce insulin pills that can be given orally.

In the research, the researchers made a pill-shaped drug, in which there was one needle containing insulin. Insulin in those pills is considered 'safe' to pass through the abdominal wall, because it has been coated with some biodegradable material. Previous trials have been carried out to test the effectiveness of these capsules. Finally, the researchers managed to enter 5 mg of insulin, which is the usual dose injected to patients with type 2 diabetes.

The experts further explained that the method would certainly be easier for people with diabetes to do. Therefore, the insulin pill will continue to be refined, before finally being sold to the public.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Image Google Search

Source(s):

• Science Daily - New pill can deliver insulin through the stomach (2019). https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/02/190207142206.htm, February 16, 2019.
• Diabetes: Could a pill replace insulin injections? (2019). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324389.php, February 16, 2019.