Nanotechnology Advanced Strategies for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Medications currently available for the management of diabetes mellitus are inconvenient and have some limitations. Thus, investigations for novel approaches are needed to deliver and target antidiabetics safely to the site of action.

Objective: The present review emphasizes the limitations of conventional antidiabetics and provides the recent progresses of nanotechnology in the treatment of diabetes mellitus with a special highlight on the novel nanocarriers methodologies employed as antidiabetic drug delivery systems.

Method: The potential nanocarriers employed for the treatment of diabetes comprise liposomes, niosomes, self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems, polymeric nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, dendrimers and micelles. Herbal nanomedicine has also emerged to be a promising way for adequate delivery of herbal compounds. Other nanotechnology approaches involve the usage of oral insulin, inhalable insulin, artificial pancreas, and nanopump.

Results: Nanocarriers have proved to lead a successful delivery of antidiabetic medications, aiming at drug targeting for enhanced efficacy and safety.

Conclusion: These innovative generations of drug delivery systems have important benefits over conventionally existing ones. The future of nanotechnology in the management of diabetes is still open with several prospects and will be of pronounced significance.