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November 13, 2002
Insulin Pill in
the making
Insulin is a hormone
produced by the pancreas that helps convert sugar - a component of all
foods - into energy. In diabetes, the body is unable to produce
or properly use insulin, resulting in too much sugar in the blood.
Some diabetics have to inject themselves daily with insulin to help
regulate blood sugar levels. These shots are uncomfortable, painful
and a big hindrance to many in their daily life. Scientist had been
trying to develop a pill to solve this problem.
Purdue University
scientists believe they've found a way to make an insulin pill for
diabetics that would replace daily shots. The breakthrough is a new acrylic-based,
gel-like coating on the pills to improve the body's absorption of
insulin. The new product, so far tested only in diabetic rats and
dogs. would allow pills to survive the harsh digestive acids in the
stomach, and let insulin seep into the bloodstream through the small
intestine.
It is likely that the
product could make it to the market within the decade.
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