Engineering Proceedings (Oct 2023)
NanoRevolution: Pioneering Applications of Nanotechnology in Type II Diabetes Care
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a chronic and multifactorial disease that is increasingly prevalent worldwide. An ageing population will double the number of individuals who need medical attention during the next decade, putting a greater strain on healthcare systems everywhere but especially in developing nations. The prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications have become major health concerns in modern society. Once diabetes-related problems manifest, they tend to be permanent and challenging to treat effectively. Amidst this health crisis, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising avenue for addressing various issues associated with diabetes. Over the past few years, scientists have increasingly used nanotechnology to investigate diabetic complications, focusing on areas including prevention and treatment. When it comes to detecting and treating illness, nanotechnology (the exploration of nanoscale materials) has opened up new avenues of inquiry. With its applications spanning materials science, environment, biology, healthcare, and biochemistry, nanotechnology has garnered attention for exploring diabetic complications and interventions. In particular, it has paved the way for less intrusive and more effective diabetes management options. The development of nanocarriers, such as nanoparticles (NPs), liposomes, carbon nanotubes, nanoemulsions, and micelles, has revolutionized the transport of oral hypoglycemic drugs. These nanocarriers offer superior efficiency compared to traditional therapeutic approaches, enabling better control of elevated blood glucose levels. The integration of multiple ligands into nanostructures further enhances targeted drug delivery while safeguarding the encapsulated hypoglycemic drugs from degradation. The net result is a greater and sustained reduction in blood glucose levels, offering new hope for improved diabetes control with reduced short- and long-term consequences. Thus, nanotechnology holds the potential to transform diabetes management into a state-of-the-art and highly promising field, presenting novel and useful solutions to combat this global health challenge.
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