by Insulin Pumps & Diabetes Devices And Drugs
Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have revolutionized diabetes management in recent years. Insulin pumps are small devices worn on the body that deliver insulin through a thin tube placed under the skin. They are programmed to release short- or long-acting insulin throughout the day to mimic the way a healthy pancreas releases insulin. This helps improve blood sugar control and reduces the risk of dangerous highs and lows compared to multiple daily injections.
CGMs constantly monitor glucose levels just below the skin without requiring finger pricks. Some advanced models can link up wirelessly with insulin pumps to automatically adjust insulin delivery based on real-time glucose readings through a system called closed-loop or artificial pancreas technology. This takes much of the guesswork out of diabetes care and provides type 1 diabetics with a level of autonomy previously unattainable. Major developments in sensor accuracy and pump-to-monitor connectivity have made these life-changing tools feasible for growing number of patients.
Advancements in Diabetes Devices And Drugs
While insulin therapy remains the standard treatment for type 1 diabetes, oral medications play a key role in type 2 diabetes management. The past decade has witnessed significant progress in this area as new drug classes entered the market. Diabetes Devices And Drugs receptor agonists, introduced in 2005, mimic the effects of the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 to stimulate insulin secretion, suppress glucagon release, delay gastric emptying, and induce a sense of fullness. In addition to improving glycemic control, many GLP-1 RA provide weight loss benefits.
DPP-4 inhibitors, approved starting in 2006, work by inhibiting the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4, which breaks down GLP-1 in the body. This allows higher levels of intact, active GLP-1 to remain circulating longer with little risk of hypoglycemia. SGLT2 inhibitors, first approved in 2013, block renal reabsorption of glucose to encourage its excretion in the urine and reduce hyperglycemia independent of insulin. Along with glycemic benefits, they offer possible cardiovascular protections through weight loss and blood pressure-lowering effects. Newer entrants like tirzepatide combine GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonism to deliver enhanced benefits.
Advancing Insulin Delivery
Pharmaceutical scientists continue refining insulin compositions to better mimic the body’s natural insulin signals. Rapid-acting insulin analogs, including lispro, aspart, and glulisine, were developed in the 1990s to more closely match the fast rise and short duration of endogenous insulin compared to regular human insulin.
Short-acting insulin degludec, approved in 2015, has an ultra-long duration of action exceeding 42 hours enabling once-daily dosing. This prolonged pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile provides a steady supply of insulin without pronounced peaks and improves glycemic control with low risk of hypoglycemia. Concentrated U-500 regular insulin received approval in 2019 for type 2 diabetics requiring very high insulin doses. Its higher concentration allows smaller volume injections compared to standard U-100 insulin.
Biologics and Biosimilars on the Horizon
Scientists are exploring next-generation insulin types engineered for oral delivery, faster absorption through non-injection routes, and precision dosing through bioartificial pancreas implants. Researchers are also developing insulin analogs conjugated with other molecules like immunoglobulins or fatty acid chains to prolong duration of action through different mechanisms than current extended insulins.
Biosimilars, which are highly similar versions of branded biologics coming off patent, may bring much-needed competition and affordability to the insulin market if approved. The first ever insulin glargine biosimilar hit US pharmacy shelves in 2020 and more are anticipated in coming years. Wider availability of biosimilar insulins could potentially transform diabetes treatment accessibility and costs for millions worldwide.
Technological and therapeutic innovations have fundamentally changed how people with diabetes live their lives. While a cure remains elusive, the continuous progress resulting from ongoing medical research has shifted diabetes from a debilitating condition to one that can be managed effectively. The variety of treatment options now available from insulin delivery devices and oral drugs to biologics in development provide versatile solutions to individualize care and improve outcomes. Further advances hold promise to make diabetes management even more precise and convenient.
*Note:
1.Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2.We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Ravina Pandya
Ravina Pandya,Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. LinkedIn
