Innovative Implantable Device Aims to Prevent Life-Threatening Low Blood Sugar in Diabetes Patients

For individuals with type 1 diabetes, hypoglycemia or dangerously low blood sugar levels pose a constant threat. Conventional treatment involves injecting glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar rapidly during emergencies. However, recognizing the need for a more immediate and reliable solution, researchers at MIT have developed an implantable reservoir device that can automatically release glucagon when blood sugar drops too low. This device, designed to be placed under the skin, remains dormant until triggered by a sensor or manually activated by the patient, thereby providing a critical safety net during hypoglycemic episodes.

The innovative device contains a reservoir of powdered glucagon, which remains stable over long periods, and is enclosed within a 3D-printed polymer shell sealed with a shape-memory alloy—specifically a nickel-titanium alloy—that responds to heat. When activated by a wireless signal, the alloy heats up to 40°C, bending into a U-shape, which opens the reservoir and releases the hormone. This wireless triggering capability allows integration with continuous glucose monitors, enabling the device to automatically respond to falling blood sugar levels.

Initial testing in diabetic mice demonstrated that upon activation, blood sugar levels stabilized within 10 minutes, successfully preventing hypoglycemia. Additionally, the device can deliver emergency doses of epinephrine, a drug used in heart attack treatment and severe allergic reactions, showcasing its potential versatility.

The device's small size, about the size of a quarter, and its ability to be reloaded with multiple doses of glucagon or epinephrine make it a promising tool for enhancing emergency response in diabetes management—particularly during sleep or in children unable to self-administer medication. The researchers aim to extend the device's lifespan beyond the current four-week testing period, with hopes of up to a year or more, and plan to initiate human clinical trials within three years.

Despite the common challenge of scar tissue formation around implants, the team found that they could still successfully trigger drug release even after fibrotic tissue developed. This breakthrough suggests a robust and durable approach to in-body drug delivery. This research represents a significant step forward in integrated, automatic emergency treatment for hypoglycemia and related conditions, with broader implications for medical device technology.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-implantable-device-diabetes-patients-dangerously.html