Every week I wonder whether i can keep up these Diaries on technologies for treating diabetes at this rate, and every week Google says, well, how about this one? Would a machine-printed microstructure for holding insulin-producing islet cells in the eye, out of reach of immune system attacks, do the job for you? I have lots more advances coming behind that one.
Can an eye implant treat both type 1 and 2 diabetes?
In a new study, researchers from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have developed a tiny device that can be implanted into the eye to treat both types of diabetes and potentially other diseases.
The findings were published in the journal Advanced Materials.
The device is 3D printed, wedge-shaped, and is about 240 micrometers long. It is designed to be placed in the space between the iris and cornea called the anterior chamber.
In the case of treating diabetes, researchers used pancreatic islets— also known as islets of Langerhans — which are cells from the pancreas that can help restore insulin production.
During the study, researchers tested the eye implant device in a mouse model. They reported the device maintained its position in the eye for several months. When released, the microorganisms quickly integrated into the host animal’s blood vessels and were able to detect glucose.
Yes. Thank you doctors. Usual caveats about the sequence of trials needed before various national authorities can consider this for a prescription treatment. Years to go, in the best case. Don’t hold your breath, but watch this space.