Radical ‘hot water bottle’ procedure could put an end to insulin injections

trial at UCH, called it “a phenomenal concept”. He said: “This is probably the most exciting thing I have been involved in in the past few years in terms of its value to healthcare.”

The procedure involves passing a catheter, via the mouth and stomach, into the duodenum, at the top of the small intestine. Once in place, a small balloon is filled with water heated to 90C to “ablate” or burn the lining of the duodenum.

This causes the cells responsible for absorbing glucose, and releasing hormones into the body to control glucose, to regenerate. The process, which takes less than an hour and is performed under sedation, “resets” the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes is caused by the failure of the pancreas to produce enough insulin, or where the body’s cells don’t react to insulin — meaning glucose stays in the blood and is not used for energy.

As their condition worsens, patients often need to take medication to keep their blood sugar levels as normal as possible. If the tablets stop working, they may need insulin injections.

Dr Haidry said the procedure was not able to cure Type 2 diabetes but could prevent it worsening in patients who were already on tablets. “The purpose is not to get someone off medication completely, but to reduce that pill burden while eliminating the chance of it getting worse,” he said.

Fourteen patients have had the procedure at UCH, with two more due in a fortnight. Trials are being performed at several European hospitals.

Retired PR executive Sharman Hutchens-Boll, 67, from Mill Hill, had the new procedure in July.

Ms Hutchens-Boll was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes six years ago and her blood sugar level was “sky high”. The technique has improved her blood sugar level and she hopes to be able to come off one of her medications. She has a phobia of needles and is terrified of requiring insulin.

She said: “Since having the procedure I’ve seen significant improvement in my blood sugar. Before, my blood sugar level was usually about nine, sometimes 10, whereas now it is consistently around seven, but sometimes as low as six, which is in the healthy range.”

Dr Haidry said the treatment may also be beneficial for patients with nonalcohol-related fatty liver disease or polycystic ovary syndrome.

To participate in the trial, email cormac.magee@nhs.net