An insulin patch that sticks inside a person’s cheek

[Northerner]

Managing blood sugar levels requires round-the-clock attention for people diagnosed with diabetes. A more healthful diet and increased physical activity can help, but many with the condition also need to take regular shots of insulin -- the primary hormone that regulates sugar. To deliver this drug in a less invasive way, researchers in ACS Applied Bio Materials now report a prototype insulin-loaded patch that comfortably sticks to the inside of a person's cheek.

An insulin patch that sticks inside a person’s cheek

Managing blood sugar levels requires round-the-clock attention for people diagnosed with diabetes. A more healthful diet and increased physical activity can help, but many with the condition also need to take regular shots of insulin -- the primary hormone that regulates sugar. To deliver this...

www.sciencedaily.com

Another 'clever idea' that will never make it to market 🙄 How would you control release? I have visions of people, on seeing that their blood sugar levels are a bit on the high side, steep some nanofibre patches in insulin for 3 hours, stick them to the inside of their cheeks then wait for them to warm up for 10 minutes... 😱 Almost ludicrous enough to write a poem about!

 

[barrym]

There has been talk for some years on a 'smart' insulin that you inject, say once a day, and it activates as much as it needs, as and when it needs it. I guess the patches work in a similar way. Who knows? Each little step though....

 

[Robin]

Isn’t 'comfortably' and 'sticks to the inside of the cheek' an Oxymoron?

 

[Deleted member 21371]

Managing blood sugar levels requires round-the-clock attention for people diagnosed with diabetes. A more healthful diet and increased physical activity can help, but many with the condition also need to take regular shots of insulin -- the primary hormone that regulates sugar. To deliver this drug in a less invasive way, researchers in ACS Applied Bio Materials now report a prototype insulin-loaded patch that comfortably sticks to the inside of a person's cheek.

An insulin patch that sticks inside a person’s cheek

Managing blood sugar levels requires round-the-clock attention for people diagnosed with diabetes. A more healthful diet and increased physical activity can help, but many with the condition also need to take regular shots of insulin -- the primary hormone that regulates sugar. To deliver this...

www.sciencedaily.com

Another 'clever idea' that will never make it to market 🙄 How would you control release? I have visions of people, on seeing that their blood sugar levels are a bit on the high side, steep some nanofibre patches in insulin for 3 hours, stick them to the inside of their cheeks then wait for them to warm up for 10 minutes... 😱 Almost ludicrous enough to write a poem about!

We already have nanobots that can release drugs.
This seems the next step.

 

[nonethewiser]

Wouldnt fancy it anyway, of all places to stick something.

 

[mikeyB]

The best area for absorption of any medication is actually at the opposite end of the digestive tract. A Valium suppository in an infant having a fit is safer, easier, and just as effective as an injection. Not an easy thing to do faced with a restaurant meal, mind. This pathway used to be visibly demonstrated by the old fashioned cream for anal fissures -amyl nitrate cream - which gave you a thumping headache in seconds.

 

[Northerner]

The best area for absorption of any medication is actually at the opposite end of the digestive tract. A Valium suppository in an infant having a fit is safer, easier, and just as effective as an injection. Not an easy thing to do faced with a restaurant meal, mind. This pathway used to be visibly demonstrated by the old fashioned cream for anal fissures -amyl nitrate cream - which gave you a thumping headache in seconds.

Funny you should mention this... 😱

It's behind you! An alternative to injections?​

Is there a solution for those poor insulin-dependent diabetics who have needle phobia? A less embarrassing method of delivering insulin when in a club or restaurant than having to get out all that paraphernalia and drawing attention to yourself? Apparently so – a company called Oramed Pharmaceuticals have been working on a different method of delivering insulin, via rectal insertion of a suppository! Imagine how much more socially acceptable this would be than injecting in public – how could anyone possibly object to someone pushing something up their behind before eating? Oh, if only Messrs Banting and Best had put their energies into this method of delivery, then we wouldn’t all be marked out as druggies and junkies by a shocked and disgusted Joe Public! 😱


Ah, welcome Mr Jones, to your annual review!
I hope that you’ve been keeping well?
There’s been an advancement – it’s something quite new,
You can’t wait to hear, I can tell!

I know that, for you, there’s a deep-seated fear
Of each insulin injection you face,
You might even say it’s a pain in the rear,
Well, here’s something I’m sure you’ll embrace!

‘What? Is it a pill I can swallow each night?
Oh, that would be perfect for me!
For, try as I might, needles give me a fright,
And hurt like the sting from a bee!’

Not a pill that you swallow, though you’re on the right lines,
Nor a patch or a gum that you chew…
Now I hope you don’t mind, please expose your behind,
And I’ll just ‘introduce’ it to you!

There now, that didn’t hurt! Did you feel any pain?
It’s quick and so easy to do!
Oh dear, it’s popped out! I’ll just try it again…
Now don’t squeal or fart till I’m through!

You’ll soon get the hang, when you’re out on the town,
Of inserting this handy suppository!
You just need to turn round, pull your trousers right down,
And deploy this lubricated monstrosity! 😱

 

[trophywench]

A male friend with whiplash affecting his lower spine and surrounds, reckoned when he needed Voltarol it was much more effective delivered by pessary rather than by tablet or topically - and he could DIY so not even his wife had to get involved.