Nanoscience Applications in Diabetes Treatment

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex metabolic disorder whose rising prevalence is terrible. A deeper knowledge of the pathophysiology of diabetes could assist in discovering possible therapeutic targets for treating diabetes and its associated problems. The common feature of diabetes, regardless of the specific pathology involved, is hyperglycemia brought on by the death or dysfunction of β-cell. As insulin deficiency gets worse over time, dysglycemia progresses in a continuum. This chapter has provided a brief review of the pathophysiology of diabetes. Also, the roles of genetics and environmental factors have been emphasized. 

Diabetes drugs are given in monotherapy or in combination. The significant challenges in effective diabetes management are optimizing current treatments to ensure optimal and stable glucose control with minimal side effects and reducing long-term complications of diabetes. This chapter reviews these conventional drugs with their mechanism of action, side effects, and efficacy and safety profile. 

Diabetes is one of the common diseases in the world and its treatment faces challenges. Insulin is the main therapeutic agent used in the treatment of diabetic patients. However, it has several side effects and during the day, patients may need several insulin injections, which is not pleasant for them. Therefore, a controlled and prolonged release system is required to decrease the injection frequency, improve the bioavailability of insulin, and enhance the compliance of patients. Nanoparticles (NPs) based drug delivery systems (DDSs) have been considered for insulin delivery. NPs can improve the permeability of insulin by opening the tight junctions between intestinal epithelial cells and can protect insulin from the action of enzymes existing in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Current conventional diabetes mellitus (DM) therapies are inadequate and have poor patient compliance. Subsequently, it is necessary to explore nanomedicine in managing diabetes. In recent years, several nanocarrier systems have been proven effective in various aspects of diabetes treatment, increasing drug stability, overcoming different biological barriers, and in enhancing bioavailability. Nanomedicine can potentially improve the therapeutic effect of drug substances to gain the patient’s belief and impart a greater level of acceptability. In the present scientific spectrum, nanomedicines promise to provide sustained and targeted delivery with potential physical stability for a prolonged period, rendering a safe and effective therapy for diabetes. This chapter comprehensively elaborates on trends in the drug delivery system in treating diabetes for improved delivery of different classes of antidiabetic agents compared to contemporary therapies.

The convergence of nanoscience and nucleotide delivery holds tremendous promise in revolutionizing diabetes treatment. Nucleotide delivery emerged as a promising tool to modulate gene expression and cellular function in diabetes. Integration of nanoscience and nucleotide delivery in diabetes treatment opens avenues for efficient therapies. This approach has the potential to significantly improve glucose regulation and mitigate long-term complications associated with the disease. This chapter discussed DNA and RNA delivery approaches in diabetes treatment and the future and challenges of nucleotide delivery in diabetes.