## No-drug solution A team led by GE Research and including researchers from the Yale School of Medicine, the University of California at Los Angeles, and the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research has developed a unique solution to diabetes without drugs. Feinstein has developed a unique non-invasive ultrasound technique aimed at stimulating the hepatoportal nerve plexus, which effectively lowers insulin and [glucose](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=110) levels. The technology is called peripheral focused ultrasound stimulation (pFUS). Research has shown that short, targeted pulses of pFUS in this area of the liver successfully reverse the onset of hyperglycemia. The treatment was effective in three animal species: mice, rats, and pigs. Just three minutes of focused ultrasound daily was enough to maintain normal blood glucose levels in diabetic animals. *"If our ongoing clinical trials confirm the promise of the preclinical studies described, and ultrasound can be used to lower both insulin and glucose levels, ultrasound neuromodulation will be an innovative and effective addition to existing treatment options"*, says Raimund Herzog, an endocrinologist at Yale Medical School who is working on the project. ## Human trials Clinical trials involving patients with type 2 diabetes are currently underway. The goal of the trials is to test the efficacy of the treatment in humans, and alleviate and potentially reverse the disease. If this research phase is successful, humanity will be close to the day when diabetes can be controlled without insulin injections and medications. The results of the current trials are expected to be announced at the end of 2022. ## Through thorns to the stars Like any revolutionary method, there are obstacles to ultrasound stimulation. In addition to the need to prove the method's effectiveness for widespread clinical implementation, there are other challenges. First, specially trained specialists are needed. Second, a simplified and automated system needs to be developed for widespread use so that patients can use it at home. At the moment, experts in this field of medicine agree that the innovation could eventually lead to a new method of diabetes treatment, but a lot of work will be needed before that can happen.