The modern pharmacological approach to diabetes: innovative methods of monitoring and insulin treatment

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as just diabetes, is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by a high blood sugar level over a prolonged period of time. In order to maintain this blood glucose value in normal parameters, a careful monitoring of it and insulin administration are necessary.

Areas covered

Thus, to facilitate this procedure, new blood glucose monitoring systems have been studied. The smart lens, the nano tattoo, noninvasive sensors based on reverse ionthophoresis and glucose oxidase – based continuous blood glucose monitoring systems, are the methods described in this study. Of course, not only is blood glucose monitoring important, but also the lifestyle of a drug or the way a drug is administered, especially in the case of insulin. How insulin is administered is also a topic that we address in this article. In an attempt to promote compliance with the administration, we have discussed about new forms of administering insulin such as: oral, intranasal, administration on the oral mucosa and last but not least, transdermal administration.

Expert opinion

Further, the attention of specialists should be directed to devices based on sensors, with a role in the interruption of insulin administration, in case of detection of hypoglycemia or the additional dose of insulin, if hyperglycemia is detected.

KEYWORDS:

• Diabetes
• insulin
• smart tattoo
• nanotransporters
• innovative insulin delivery systems

Acknowledgments

To Elsevier Publisher for permission to use Figures 1-4, as adapted versions (letters authorizing the use of copyrighted material are available).

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewers disclosure

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial relationships or otherwise to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.