Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 9: In a breakthrough for diabetes care, researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a tiny implantable device that can automatically release life-saving medication to prevent hypoglycemia — a potentially fatal drop in blood sugar levels common in people with Type 1 diabetes.

Roughly the size of a coin, the 3D-printed device stores glucagon, a hormone used to rapidly raise blood sugar. Unlike conventional emergency injections, this implant can be placed under the skin and triggered either manually or automatically via a sensor linked to a continuous glucose monitor.

“This is a small, emergency-response device placed under the skin, always ready to protect patients when their blood sugar falls dangerously low,” said Prof. Daniel Anderson from MIT’s Department of Chemical Engineering.

The technology is especially promising for nighttime hypoglycemia and for children who cannot self-administer injections. The device connects wirelessly with glucose sensors and releases medication within seconds of detecting dangerously low sugar levels.

In tests conducted on diabetic mice, blood sugar levels stabilized within 10 minutes of activation, successfully preventing hypoglycemia.

Beyond diabetes, the team is exploring the device’s use for emergency drug delivery, including epinephrine — a critical treatment for heart attacks and severe allergic reactions.