Diabetes treatment may take pill form

DIABETES patients may soon be able to take a pill instead of injections to control their condition.

British firm Diabetology has developed a form of insulin that can be taken by mouth.

The company believes this will provide better control of symptoms.

The capsule resists stomach acid and passes intact into the small intestine, where it is absorbed into the body.

The insulin is then transported to the liver, The Times reported.

By taking a pill before breakfast and dinner, the medication seems to successfully control glucose levels in patients with type-2 diabetes.

Researchers presented the findings of a small-scale trial to the American Medical Association yesterday.

The study involved 16 people with type-2 diabetes.

Its results indicate oral doses lead to a rise in insulin levels in the body that lasted a long time, and revealed no safety concerns.

There are no short-term spikes of high insulin, as is the case following injections. These spikes can lead to a higher risk of side-effects.

Up until now, oral diabetes treatments have suffered because the stomach’s acidic environment “deantures” proteins, rendering insulin ineffective.

The presence of food also influence absorption and make a dose less predictable.

Other research has seen a Taiwanese team use chemicals found in shrimp shells to protect the drug.

There are various medications to lower glucose levels, and type-2 diabetes can often be controlled by diet alone or other oral diabetes drugs. Insulin may be required if the disease progresses.

Many patients find the switch to injections difficult, which can impact on their control of the condition and increase long-term risks.

Inhaled insulin is available, but child patients can find it troublesome.