Diabetes mellitus has become one of the most pressing global health challenges. According to the World Health Organization, over 830 million people worldwide were diagnosed with diabetes by the year 2020. Despite the widespread use of traditional antidiabetic medications, these treatments often come with significant limitations, including adverse side effects and the need for prolonged use. This has created an urgent demand for more effective, safer, and innovative alternatives.
Associate Professor ChM. Dr. Noraini Binti Ahmad from the Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, along with her team has developed a more effective alternative to aid in the delivery of diabetes medications which is nanocarrier technology.
Nanocarriers are tiny, engineered systems designed to deliver drugs directly to their intended targets in the body. These microscopic carriers offer a host of advantages over traditional drug delivery methods, such as protecting the medication from degradation, providing controlled release, and improving the precision of treatment. There are several types of nanocarriers, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and metallic nanoparticles, each of which has distinct benefits. Liposomes are fat-based carriers that encapsulate drugs, protecting them from stomach acid and enhancing their stability. Polymeric nanoparticles are solid carriers providing prolonged drug stability and controlled release. Metallic nanoparticles offer precision and remarkable efficiency in drug delivery.
Plant-based bioactive compounds have long been recognised for their therapeutic potential, particularly in the treatment of diabetes. These compounds, such as curcumin, berberine, and betanin, offer a natural, biocompatible alternative to synthetic medications. However, their clinical application has been limited by poor stability, low bioavailability, and insufficient targeting.
Nanocarrier technology offers a solution to these challenges. By encapsulating plant-based compounds in nanocarriers, their stability is enhanced, and their release can be controlled and directed to specific areas in the body. This allows for more effective and safer treatments compared to conventional diabetes drugs, which often come with undesirable side effects like nausea, weight gain, or hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
Several studies have highlighted the remarkable potential of plant-based compounds when delivered through nanocarrier systems. For instance, betanin, a compound derived from red beetroot, has been incorporated into nanoliposomes, showing significant efficacy in reducing hyperglycemia, hyperlipidaemia, and oxidative stress in diabetic animal models. Similarly, curcumin-loaded polymeric nanoparticles have shown enhanced glucose uptake by increasing the translocation of GLUT-4 (a glucose transporter) to cell surfaces, outperforming free curcumin solutions. These advances suggest that nanocarriers not only improve the stability and effectiveness of plant-based treatments but also reduce side effects typically associated with synthetic drugs.
The benefits of nanocarrier systems extend beyond diabetes. Their ability to encapsulate and protect bioactive compounds holds promise for the treatment of other chronic diseases, including cardiovascular conditions and cancer. Nanocarriers could revolutionise drug delivery in these areas by improving the precision, efficiency, and safety of treatments.
While the potential for nanocarriers in diabetes treatment is substantial, several challenges need to be addressed. Manufacturing nanocarriers involves complex processes and sometimes costly materials, making large-scale production expensive. Achieving consistent quality and stability across batches remains a significant hurdle, particularly as plant-based bioactive compounds are often unstable and prone to degradation when exposed to light, temperature changes, or variations in pH, presenting further formulation challenges. Additionally, while metallic nanoparticles offer remarkable precision in targeting specific tissues, their small size allows them to cross the blood-brain barrier, raising concerns about unintended side effects and their safety in long-term use.
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To overcome these challenges, Associate Professor ChM. Dr. Noraini Ahmad and her team are focusing on developing scalable, cost-effective, and safe nanocarrier systems. Collaboration with clinicians is key to ensuring that these technologies meet the practical needs of patients. Clinical trials will be essential for validating the safety and efficacy of nanocarrier-based therapies. Additionally, incorporating feedback from patients will be critical to making these treatments more user-friendly and accessible, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Nanocarrier technology represents a transformative step forward in the treatment of diabetes, offering new hope for better, more targeted, and safer therapies. As research progresses, it holds the potential to change not only the way diabetes is treated but also the future of drug delivery in a variety of pharmaceutical and medical applications.
Researcher featured:
Associate Prof. ChM Dr. Noraini Binti Ahmad
Department of Chemistry
Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya
For inquiries, please contact:
T: +603-79674008
Author:
Ms Fiona Wong Yan Qi
A passionate medical student who loves to combine her interests in science and writing. I’m captivated by the complexities of the human body and enjoy crafting stories that illuminate the human experience.
Copyedit:
Siti Farhana Bajunid Shakeeb Arsalaan Bajunid, Assistant Registrar, UM
Photo credits by:
Adobe Stock
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