Nanomedicine-Based Strategies for Diabetes: Diagnostics, Monitoring, and Treatment

Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2020 Jun;31(6):448-458. doi: 10.1016/j.tem.2020.02.001. Epub 2020 Mar 4.

Abstract

Traditional methods for diabetes management require constant and tedious glucose monitoring (GM) and insulin injections, impacting quality of life. The global diabetic population is expected to increase to 439 million, with approximately US$490 billion in healthcare expenditures by 2030, imposing a significant burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Recent advances in nanotechnology have emerged as promising alternative strategies for the management of diabetes. For example, implantable nanosensors are being developed for continuous GM, new nanoparticle (NP)-based imaging approaches that quantify subtle changes in β cell mass can facilitate early diagnosis, and nanotechnology-based insulin delivery methods are being explored as novel therapies. Here, we provide a holistic summary of this rapidly advancing field compiling all aspects pertaining to the management of diabetes.

Keywords: carbon nanotubes; cell therapies; diabetes; magnetic nanoparticles; nanogels; nanotechnology; quantum dots; scaffolds.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / diagnosis*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Insulin / administration & dosage*
  • Monitoring, Physiologic*
  • Nanogels*
  • Nanomedicine / methods*
  • Transdermal Patch*

Substances

  • Insulin
  • Nanogels