Lets the body control blood sugar levels

natural substance extracted from brown algae which is mixed with therapeutic agents through dissolvable “microneedles”.

It releases the active ingredients only when needed, to control blood sugar levels.

Poor control of glucose levels is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes and lower limb amputation.

Dr Richard Leapman, of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, in Maryland, USA, where the patch was developed, said: “This experimental approach could be a way to take advantage of the fact that persons with Type 2 diabetes can still produce some insulin.

“A weekly microneedle patch application would also be less complicated and painful than routines that require frequent blood testing.”

British research bodies yesterday welcomed the announcement. Diabetes UK said: “Type 2 diabetes is a complex condition that has a huge impact on the day-to-day lives of people living with it and their families. Any innovative treatment option that is proven to lessen this impact is encouraging news.

“As this treatment has so far only been tested on mice, we look forward to the results of this research being replicated in humans.”

The patch offers a potentially