Researchers have found that the hormone leptin can stabilize blood glucose levels in type 1 diabetes, paving the way for insulin-free treatments.

New research shows that the hormone leptin can normalize blood glucose in type 1 diabetes by acting on the brain, even without insulin. This finding suggests an innovative approach in future treatments, reducing the need for daily insulin injections. The UW Medicine team plans to seek approval for clinical trials in humans, as leptin could control blood glucose levels by intervening in the brain, causing a significant change in diabetes management.