Switzerland: Researchers have developed a novel wireless implant that uses electrochemical reactions to remove excess glucose from the blood, bringing blood sugar levels under control within an hour in mice with diabetes and obesity. The study, published in Science, found that repeated treatment maintained glucose control for six weeks, while an automated system linked to a continuous glucose monitor adjusted treatment according to blood sugar levels without insulin or other drugs. Further research is needed to establish its safety and efficacy in humans.

Type 2 diabetes and obesity frequently occur together, a combination commonly described as “diabesity.” Existing treatments primarily rely on medications to control blood glucose or body weight, but some patients experience side effects or require long-term therapy. Researchers are exploring alternative approaches that could offer more precise metabolic control without administering drugs.
To address this need, Debasis Maity of the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering at ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland, and colleagues developed an implantable system called electrocatalytic closed-loop health optimization (ECHO). The findings describe a wireless device designed to regulate glucose levels by converting excess glucose into gluconate, which can subsequently be eliminated through the kidneys.
The implant contains platinum-decorated gold nanoclusters embedded in a porous graphite matrix. When activated wirelessly using electrical power, its electrocatalyst triggers the conversion of glucose into gluconate. Researchers designed the system so that electrical stimulation could regulate the rate of glucose removal.
The findings revealed the following:
  • Rapid glucose control: In mice with type 2 diabetes, activating the device at 0.75 volts and 10 milliamperes restored elevated blood glucose levels to the normal range within one hour.
  • Sustained benefits: Repeated activation maintained glucose control for six weeks, with no detectable episodes of hypoglycaemia during the study period.
  • Changes in metabolism: Treatment shifted energy utilisation towards stored fat, accompanied by reductions in body weight and circulating triglyceride levels. Free fatty acid and ketone body concentrations increased.
  • Automated glucose regulation: When connected to a commercially available continuous glucose monitoring system, the implant activated when blood glucose exceeded a predefined threshold, enabling autonomous closed-loop control.
  • Safety observations: Researchers reported no detectable adverse physiological, inflammatory or behavioural effects during the six-week experimental period.
The device therefore demonstrated the potential to regulate glucose levels while influencing energy metabolism without insulin or other glucose-lowering medications. Its ability to work alongside continuous glucose monitoring could also enable more responsive treatment based on changing blood sugar levels.
However, the findings are based on experiments in mice and do not establish whether the implant would be safe or effective in humans. Further studies are needed to evaluate its long-term safety, durability, metabolic effects, and clinical applicability.
The researchers concluded that wireless electrocatalysis combined with continuous glucose monitoring could offer a potential drug-free strategy for managing diabetes and obesity, subject to further validation in human studies.
Reference:
Maity, D., Ray, P. G., Buchmann, P., Hamri, G. C. E., & Fussenegger, M. (2026). Wireless electrocatalytic closed-loop system for drug-free management of diabesity. Science. https://doi.org/ady8560
Tags:    
Article Source : Science journal

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Medha Baranwal

Medha Baranwal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Delhi and a Master’s degree in Biotechnology from Amity University. Since May 2018, she has been contributing to Medical Dialogues, writing and editing medical news articles that translate complex research into clear, accessible information for healthcare professionals.

Comments Policy
Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .