Reseachers, led by the University of Sunderland, have developed a nasal spray to deliver insulin into the body without the need for injections.

The liquid in the spray is formulated to reach body temperature and form a gel within the nose, which delivers insulin steadily over the course of the day, thereby performing the same action as basal insulin.

The nasal spray could have applications in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes where patients struggle with needle phobia.Delivery via membranes in the nose has advantages over orally taken insulin as the insulin does not need to survive the human digestive tract.

The research is still at an early stage, having been tested only with mucus-producing cells in a laboratory. Diabetes UK’s Head of Research said ‘new, less invasive ways to deliver insulin would be welcomed by people with diabetes. However, it is important to note this research is at a very early stage.’