For many individuals with diabetes, managing blood sugar levels typically necessitates daily insulin injections. However, scientists have now created an innovative gel, based on a polymer, which allows insulin to be administered through the skin without the need for injections. This gel, detailed in a study published in the journal 'Nature', effectively normalized blood sugar levels in diabetic mice and pigs within one to two hours after application, maintaining normal levels for approximately 12 hours.

The speed and duration of the gel's action are comparable to that of 'basal' insulin, which provides a steady dose to regulate blood sugar between meals and during the night. This type of insulin is often used alongside rapid-acting insulin, which is administered before, during, or after meals to address sudden spikes in blood sugar. With this new gel, patients may experience a more convenient and less painful alternative to their current injection regimen.

The research has significant implications for diabetes management, as it could enhance the quality of life for millions of people who rely on insulin injections. The gel's ability to deliver insulin effectively through the skin may also pave the way for further innovations in drug delivery systems, potentially leading to more groundbreaking treatments for chronic conditions in the future.