Insulin cream that replaces needles: discovery that could change diabetes treatment
2026-04-12 14:01:10
TiranaPost
Managing diabetes could become much simpler in the future, as simple as applying a cream to the skin.
Scientists have created a new polymer that transports insulin through the skin's protective barrier. Until now, this was considered almost impossible, as insulin molecules are large and water-soluble, so they cannot naturally penetrate the oil layer that protects the skin.
But researchers have overcome this obstacle by developing a “smart” polymer that adapts to the body’s natural chemistry. This material changes its charge depending on the depth of the skin: at the surface, where the environment is more acidic, it remains positively charged to cross the outer barrier; then, in the deeper layers where the environment is neutral, it releases insulin.
In tests on mice, piglets and lab-grown human skin, the cream was able to lower blood sugar levels sustainably and comparable to traditional injections. There were also no signs of inflammation.
Although human testing is the next and very important step, this innovation gives hope for a future where diabetes treatment can be completely painless and non-invasive, freeing millions of people from the daily use of needles and improving their quality of life.
