Hydrogel-based Drug Delivery System in Diabetes Management

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Diabetes Mellitus (DM) affects over 200 million people globally, characterized by impaired insulin action or secretion.
• Type 1 and Type 2 DM are common, with Type 2 often managed by oral hypoglycemics.
• Conventional oral hypoglycemics face challenges like frequent dosing and low bioavailability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in biopolymeric hydrogels for oral hypoglycemic drug delivery.
• To explore the use of crosslinked hydrogels and hydrogel coatings for sustained drug release.
• To address limitations associated with traditional oral hypoglycemic dosage forms.

Main Methods:

• Literature search conducted in prominent scientific databases: PubMed, Elsevier, and Google Scholar.
• Focus on studies and reviews concerning biopolymeric hydrogels and their application in drug delivery.
• Analysis of hydrogel properties and their suitability for controlled release of oral hypoglycemics.

Main Results:

• Biopolymer-based hydrogels are 3D crosslinked networks with high water content and biocompatibility.
• Their properties mimic soft living tissues, making them ideal for biomedical applications.
• Hydrogels serve as effective platforms for drug transport and controlled release, with potential as implant coatings.

Conclusions:

• Biopolymeric hydrogels represent a promising strategy for sustained oral hypoglycemic delivery.
• Physically and chemically crosslinked hydrogels, including coatings, offer solutions to traditional dosage form drawbacks.
• This review highlights innovations in hydrogel technology for improved diabetes management.