Â鶹ֱ²¥ researchers are a step closer to establishing a way for people with type-1 diabetes to introduce insulin into the body without the need for injections, through the development of a unique microcapsule.<\/p>\n
People with type-1 diabetes, a condition where the immune system destroys cells in the pancreas, generally have to inject themselves with insulin daily and test glucose levels multiple times a day.<\/p>\n
Dr Hani Al-Salami, Curtin\u2019s School of Pharmacy, is leading the collaborative project using cutting-edge microencapsulation technologies to design and test whether microcapsules are a viable alternative treatment for people with type-1 diabetes.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince 1921, injecting insulin into muscle or fat tissue has been the only treatment option for patients with type-1 diabetes,\u201d Dr Al-Salami said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ideal way to treat the illness, however, would be to have something, like a microcapsule, that stays in the body and works long-term to treat the uncontrolled blood glucose associated with diabetes.\u201d<\/p>\n
The microcapsule contains pancreatic cells which can be implanted in the body and deliver insulin to the blood stream.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe hope the microcapsules might complement or even replace the use of insulin, in the long-term but we are still a way off. Still, the progress is encouraging and quite positive for people with type-1 diabetes,\u201d Dr Al-Salami said.<\/p>\n
Researchers said the biggest challenge in the project to date had been creating a microcapsule that could carry the cells safely, for an extended period of time, without causing an unwanted reaction by the body such as inflammation or graft failure.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are currently carrying out multiple analyses examining various formulations and microencapsulating methods, in order to ascertain optimum engineered microcapsules capable of supporting cell survival and functionality,\u201d Dr Al-Salami said.<\/p>\n
The research was conducted in partnership with the University of Western Australia.<\/p>\n