The National Institute of Health has released a 500 page document outlining a new strategy in the approach to finding a cure for diabetes and in the meantime, improving on treatment and innovation. The new strategy will come into play over the next ten years with the greatest potential to benefit Americans who are living with or at risk for diabetes and its complications.

Griffin P. Rodgers, MD, director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), said:

“By setting priorities and identifying the most compelling research opportunities, the strategic plan will guide NIH, other federal agencies and the investigative community in efforts to improve diabetes treatments and identify ways to keep more people healthy.”

Here is a list of a few top priorities as outlined in the plan and goals to understand:

  • The relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes, and how both conditions may be affected by genetics and environment
  • The autoimmune mechanisms at work in type 1 diabetes
  • The biology of beta cells, which released insulin in the pancreas
  • Prevention of complications of diabetes that affect the heart, eyes, kidneys, nervous system and other organs
  • The reduction of the impact of diabetes on groups disproportionately affected, including the elderly and racial/ethnic minorities
  • Development of artificial pancreas technologies to improvement management of blood glucose levels

With an artificial pancreas in development, the current diabetes treatment market in the US comprises three related but distinct submarkets that address different aspects of the condition. Products in the US market are currently comprised of blood glucose monitors, lancets & test strips, continuous blood glucose monitors, insulin, insulin pumps, syringes, and other insulin delivery devices & anti-diabetic drugs. Right now, the most significant growth in this market (U.S.) is in continuous blood glucose meters, insulin pumps, and anti-diabetic drugs.

The overall goal of the Artificial Pancreas Project is to accelerate the development, regulatory approval, and acceptance of continuous glucose monitoring and artificial pancreas technology in the shortest possible timeframe. The long term goal is for broad patient access and a thriving competitive market for these devices and products.

To date, artificial pancreas devices have been successfully tested in controlled inpatient or hospital settings demonstrating the potential for this technology to improve blood sugar control. Now the technology must be tested safely in real-world conditions. And clear and reasonable regulatory guidelines must be established to ensure that the upcoming studies advance the technology to reach patients as soon as possible.

Even with treatments available today, tight blood sugar control remains a challenge and daily struggle for those living with type 1 diabetes. In fact, the majority of people living with the disease are not achieving recommended target levels.

Under the plan, the NIH will continue to emphasize clinical research in humans, which already has led to highly effective methods for managing diabetes and preventing complications, Dr. Rodgers added.

To have a look at the full strategic plan, click HERE.

Written by Sy Kraft, B.A.