Introduction

Insulin therapy is considered the primary approach for treating type-1 diabetes (T1D) and sometimes required in cases of advanced type-2 diabetes (T2D).  Conventionally administered via subcutaneous injections it is often associated with pain and poor patient’s compliance due to needle phobia, allergic reactions, common infections, and stress generated from the difficult long-term treatment regimen. To improve the quality of life of diabetic patients, different approaches (less painful) have been explored with the aim to control and facilitate insulin delivery.

Technical features

Micro and nanoscale delivery vehicles are known to drastically improve the pharmacological properties (e.g., solubility, circulation half-life and toxicity) of encapsulated drugs, thereby leading to safer and more efficient treatments. Applying the principles of microscale drug delivery to treating diabetes, presented is a glucose-sensitive insulin-loaded microparticle for the sustained and controlled release of insulin to a patient over a prolonged period of time. The particle is composed of a pH-sensitive, polymeric biocompatible and biodegradable porous matrix, encapsulating insulin granules, alongside a blood glucose sensor attached to a surface of the microparticle. Thanks to the versatility of the method, the shape of the microparticles can be modulated and precisely defined during the fabrication process.

Possible Applications

• Drug delivery.

Advantages

• Enhanced therapeutic efficacy;
• Prevention of premature drug degradation and denaturation;
• Increase drug uptake through the physiological barriers (skin and mucosa);
• No discomfort or pain associated with the therapy;
• Increasing patient willingness to continue with the treatment.