Diabetes

MIT researchers have devised a way to encapsulate therapeutic cells, such as pancreatic islet cells, to treat diabetes, in a flexible protective device.

“Living drug factories” might treat diabetes and other diseases

Chemical engineers have developed a way to protect transplanted drug-producing cells from immune system rejection.

March 30, 2020

A new model of glucose-responsive insulin, developed by MIT researchers, could lead to better treatment for diabetes and could eliminate the need for regular manual glucose-level testing.

Mathematical model could lead to better treatment for diabetes

A new model can predict which types of glucose-responsive insulin will work in humans and animals.

March 9, 2020

An award-winning startup founded by Maria Hahn (second from right) got its start at an MIT Technology and Innovation Bootcamp.

Health care innovators strive to make a difference

A week of learning with MIT Bootcamps sparked ideas that Jal Panchal and Maria Hahn are taking forward to solve problems in health care.

January 23, 2020

MIT researchers have developed a noninvasive hydration sensor that is based on the same technology as MRI, but, unlike MRI scanners, it can fit in a doctor’s office.

Hydration sensor could improve dialysis

Noninvasive device could benefit patients with kidney disease, congestive heart failure, or dehydration.

July 24, 2019

MIT chemists have determined the structure of the amyloid fibers formed by the hormone glucagon when it is dissolved in liquid. Each fibril is made of sheets of peptides that run antiparallel to each other.

Chemists discover structure of glucagon fibrils

Study may be a step toward shelf-stable versions of the hormone, which is used to control diabetes.

June 24, 2019

MIT engineers have devised a way to incorporate crystallized immunosuppressant drugs into devices carrying encapsulated islet cells, which could allow them to be implanted as a long-term treatment for diabetes.

A better way to encapsulate islet cells for diabetes treatment

Crystallized drug prevents immune system rejection of transplanted pancreatic islet cells.

June 24, 2019

MIT researchers are testing encapsulated pancreatic islet cells as a possible treatment for diabetes. These 1.5 mm capsules are embedded with a fluorine-containing compound that allows the researchers to monitor their oxygen levels with MRI once implanted in the body.

Oxygen-tracking method could improve diabetes treatment

Measurements could help scientists develop better designs for a bioartificial pancreas.

February 25, 2019

MIT spinout Sigilon Therapeutics has partnered with pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Company to develop implantable medical devices that act like “living drug factories,” encapsulating engineered cells that live in the body for months, or years, and produce insulin. Down the road, cells may also be engineered to secrete other hormones, proteins, and antibodies.

“Living drug factories” may one day replace injections

Startup develops implantable, encased cells that live in the body and secrete insulin and other therapeutics.

May 16, 2018

Illustration showing pancreatic islets and oxygen molecules.

Implantable islet cells come with their own oxygen supply

Device could help insulin-producing cells live longer after transplant and improve treatment of type 1 diabetes.

April 25, 2018

“[Glucose-responsive insulin] has been a longstanding goal of the diabetes field,” says professor Michael Strano. “If done correctly, you could make it so that diabetics could take an occasional dose and never have to worry about their blood sugar.”

Model predicts performance of glucose-responsive insulin

Engineered insulin that can be activated by high blood sugar could improve diabetics’ quality of life.

September 26, 2017

MIT startup Podimetrics has developed a smart mat that can detect early warning signs before foot ulcers form, which may drastically reduce amputations and cut medical costs.

Smart mat detects early warning signs of foot ulcers

Conceived at an MIT hackathon, system could reduce amputations, cut medical costs for diabetics.

August 15, 2017

Twine has developed a platform that lets users build customized disease-management and care plans on an app, which then sends alerts about when to take medications, tracks the patient’s various health goals, and offers key analytics, among other features.

Coaching platform improves health outcomes, lowers medical costs

New app lets patients work alone or with others to prevent, monitor, and reverse chronic disease.

July 21, 2017

Common Sensing co-founders Richard Whalley (left) and James White

Data-driven diabetes management

Smart insulin-pen cap lets patients and doctors track dosage data to better manage treatment.

November 16, 2016

A stealth material surface, shown here, has been engineered to provide an “invisibility cloak” against the body’s immune system cells. In this electron microscopy image, you can see the material's surface topography.

No more insulin injections?

Encapsulated pancreatic cells offer possible new diabetes treatment.

January 25, 2016

Designing better medical implants

Optimal size and shape allow implantable devices to last longer in the body.

May 18, 2015

MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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