Abstract

A REVIEW ON: NANOTECHNOLOGY ALONG WITH MEDICINE FOR THE TREATMENT OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Sudarshan Rao Nagineni1*, Priyanka Padira and P. Balaji

ABSTRACT

Nanotechnology is increasing importance in diabetics’ research in the recent decade. It is a field that involves nanomaterials, nanostructures, nanoparticle design and their applications in humans etc. It also provides more accurate information for diagnosing diabetes mellitus. The combination of nanotechnology and medicine has created a new field “nanomedicine” to enhance human health care. The major disadvantages of current oral modalities for the treatment of T2DM are mainly depicted in the low bioavailability and the immediate release of the drug, generating the need for an increase in frequency of dosing. Over the past few years nanotechnology has found fertile ground in the development of novel delivery modalities that can potentially enhance anti-diabetic regimes efficacy. All efforts have been targeted towards two main vital steps: (a) to protect the drug by encapsulating it into a nano-carrier system and (b) efficiently release the drug in a gradual as well as controllable manner. The generation of drug nanocarriers may increase bioavailability, prolong release and therefore reduce dosing and thus, improve patient compliance. This novel approach might substantially improve quality of life for diabetics. Application of metal nanoformulations as indirect hypoglycemic agents is also discussed. Compared to conventional therapy, the targeted-nanosystems have high tolerability, reduced side effects, and enhanced efficacy. These effects are reproducible using various nanocarriers (liposomes, polymeric and gold nanoparticles), thus providing a proof of concept that targeted nanotherapy can be a feasible strategy that can combat obesity and prevent its comorbidities.This article provides a brief overview of the subject, with appropriate references to original research articles and review articles on previous and current research findings about nanotechnology drug delivery system.

Keywords: Type 2 Diabetes mellitus, Hyperglycemia, Nanomedicine and Nanotechnology.