ETH Zurich implant lowers blood sugar without insulin

Researchers at ETH Zurich built ECHO, a wireless implant that uses continuous glucose monitor readings to convert excess glucose into gluconate, which is excreted in urine. In mice with type 2 diabetes blood sugar normalized within an hour, with no hypoglycemia over six weeks; human trials are still ahead.

• Implant activates via Bluetooth signal from a CGM when glucose exceeds a threshold
• Gold-platinum catalyst converts glucose into gluconate using a small current
• In mice glucose normalized within an hour, no hypoglycemia over six weeks
• Human testing has not started; the device remains experimental