Application of nanomaterials in diabetic complication management

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a persistent metabolic disorder presenting with increased blood glucose. Owing to a continuous damage to the systematic blood system, the hyperglycaemic state in the affected population may trigger a constant rising in the onset of diabetic nephropathy (DN), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), retinopathy, diabetic foot, neuropathy, etc. causing great obstacle to the existing treatments. The emergence of nanomaterials (NMs) brings new opportunities for diabetes treatment based on their quantum size effect and surface effect. This study details the classification of NMs, covering both organic (polymers, lipids, and protein structures) and inorganic (metals and metal oxides, ceramics, and carbon-based NMs). This study also introduces drug delivery systems that are capable of transporting drugs efficiently with the advantages of high biocompatibility and bioavailability. NMs show excellent performance in treating diabetic complications. In the specific application, NMs can achieve several advantages of targeted drug delivery, effective anti-fibrosis and anti-inflammatory for DN; photodynamic therapy and improved drug delivery efficiency for retinopathy; promoting wound healing, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory roles for diabetic foot ulcer; preventing atherosclerosis, facilitating myocardial protection and repair for CVDs; as well as potential significance in neurological lesions. In summary, NMs exhibit a broad application prospect, serving as an innovative approach for managing diabetic complications, to significantly improve the quality of life of patients.