The use of nanotechnology to treat diabetes offers some exciting possibilities:
This page provides a survey of the nanotechnology - based methods being developed to treat diabetes.
Researchers at the University of Bath are developing a graphene based sensor to measure glucose levels without requiring a finger prick blood test.
Researchers at IBS are using gold doped graphene to develop a device to monitor the glucose level in people with diabetes.
Researchers at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona are invesigating the use of liposomes to develope a vaccine for Type 1 diabetes.
Nanofiber mesh containing zeolites have been shown to absorb toxins in the bloodstream. Researchers believe this nanofiber can be used in compact and inexpensive blood purification systems as an alternative to dialysis.
Researchers at IBS are developing a graphene based device to monitor the glucose level in people with diabetes.
Researchers have developed nanoparticles that release insulin when glucose levels rise. The nanoparticles contain both insulin and an enzyme that dissolve in high levels of glucose. When the enzyme dissolves the insulin is released. In lab test these nanoparticles were able to control blood sugar levels for several days.
Another method being developed to release insulin uses a sponge-like matrix that contains insulin as well as nanocapsules containing an enzyme. When the glucose level rises the nanocapsules release hydrogen ions, which bind to the fibers making up the matrix. The hydrogen ions make the fibers positively charged, repelling each other and creating openings in the matrix through which insulin is released.