Health aNd Fitness Guide

Injecting insulin is a daily routine for millions of diabetes patients around the world. At present, insulin can be given only as an injection, as it can be destroyed by the enzymes in the stomach. But researchers from Aberdeen University have developed an insulin pill with a coating using a novel polymer, which is not damaged by the stomach enzyme. This pill will be able to release insulin in the intestine, and can be absorbed in the bloodstream. According to Dr Colin Thompson, who presented the findings at the British Pharmaceutical Conference in Manchester, “the pill will not be available for several years and will need further testing”. This will be a welcome development for those who are scared, or have difficulty with needles, especially children and older patients.