The role of nanotechnology in diabetes treatment: current and future perspectives

Diabetes is a chronic disease that currently affects approximately 8% of the US population, and that number is expected to increase significantly by the year 2030. It is imperative that effective monitoring and treatment options be available to patients. Nanotechnology is a focal point in diabetes research, where nanoparticles in particular are showing great promise in improving the treatment and management of the disease. Due to their ability to potentially enhance drug delivery to areas where there are barriers or unfavourable environments for macromolecules, nanoparticles are being explored as vehicles for improved oral insulin formulations. The use of nanotechnology in the development of glucose sensors is also a prominent focus in non-invasive glucose monitoring systems. Finally, compelling but relatively unexplored applications of nanotechnology, such as the development of an artificial pancreas, are discussed. Overall, nanotechnology has the potential to significantly impact several areas of current and future diabetes research.

Keywords: nanotechnology, diabetes treatment, nanoparticles, oral insulin, glucose sensors, drug delivery, non-invasive monitoring, glucose monitoring