Applications
A New 3D-Printed Implant Could Help Prevent Hypoglycemia
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed an innovative medical implant that can protect people with type 1 diabetes from dangerous drops in blood sugar during emergencies, a condition known as hypoglycemia. The small 3D-printed implant contain
- 3 min read
- Applications
- Six more stories
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed an innovative medical implant that can protect people with type 1 diabetes from dangerous drops in blood sugar during emergencies, a condition known as hypoglycemia. The small 3D-printed implant contains the hormone glucagon, which is automatically released into the body when needed.
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. In Germany, about 10% of adults are affected, and around 90% of them have type 2 diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes, whose bodies no longer produce their own insulin, are at particular risk of developing hypoglycemia. This occurs when blood sugar levels drop too low. In severe cases, it can lead to seizures, unconsciousness, or even death.
The new implant can be connected to a glucose monitor (Photo Credit: USA Today)
A Typical Day in the Life of Someone with Type 1 Diabetes
People with type 1 diabetes must inject insulin every day to keep their blood sugar levels stable. In some cases, however, this can lead to hypoglycemia. When that happens, glucagon usually has to be injected to trigger the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream. But not all patients recognize the warning signs in time.
More from the desk
Six other notes from the rest of the bench.
ApplicationsThe marketing of the first 3D printed eye has begunThe Severance Hospital belonging to the Yonsei University (YUHS), in South Korea, has announced that after more than three years of research they are preparing to market the first 3D printed eye, an eye prosthesis that will help hundreds and thousands…
MaterialsIs Stabilizer Residue in Inks Inhibiting Conductivity in 3D Printed Electronics?Researchers from the University of Nottingham have revealed that stabilizer residue in additive manufacturing inks function to inhibit conductivity in 3D printed electronic devices. While it was previously thought that the principal cause of reduced vertical conductivity through 
News3D Metalforge Starts Trading on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)3D Metalforge (3MF) has begun trading on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). Founded in 2015, the leading additive manufacturing company specializes in 3D metal printing. After having seen 3 years of consecutive revenue growth, securing AUS$1.3 million in the fiscal…
SoftwareRutgers Team Develops Dual Digital Twin Approach to Strengthen Cybersecurity in AMFor the fifth year in a row, IBM’s X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2026 found that manufacturing remains the most targeted industry for cyberattacks. The sector accounted for 27.7% of incidents, only a slight increase from 26% last year. And the…
MaterialsHP adds highly reusable polypropylene to its range of materialsThe US additive manufacturing giant, HP has unveiled a new material for its Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing solutions. In collaboration with chemical company BASF, it is developing a powder and highly reusable polypropylene, called 3D High Reusability PP, it…
ApplicationsFluicell Develops Advanced BioPrinted Products for DiabetesThe field of medical bioprinting is rapidly advancing. Particularly, quite a bit of progress had been made in the medicinal application of 3D printing technologies for people living with diabetes. Companies have created 3D-printed pancreas models for childhood diabetes research,&