1Department of Pharmaceutics, Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun-248007, Uttarakhand, India
1Abhishek Singh: abhisheksingh3159@gmail.com ORCID: 0009-0008-2964-4797
1Sushmita Pandey: Sushmitaa.pandey20@gmail.com ORCID: 0009-0003-3918-0889
1Neeraj Kandpal: Neerajkandpal403@gmail.com
1Sidhant Kashyap: sidhantk0021@gmail.com ORCID: 0009-0003-2254-667X
1Alok Kumar: alokscsuk@gmail.com
1*Yogita Tyagi: tyagi.yogi.89@gmail.com (Corresponding Author)
Objective: To provide a comprehensive evaluation of Diabetes Mellitus (DM), its underlying pathophysiology, limitations of existing therapeutic approaches, and to review the potential of Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based novel drug delivery systems for improving insulin therapy.
Significance: Diabetes is a rapidly escalating global burden, and current insulin and oral hypoglycaemic treatments are limited by rapid enzymatic degradation, variable bioavailability, and poor patient adherence due to frequent dosing. Advanced delivery systems such as PLGA-based platforms may overcome these drawbacks by enabling sustained, pulsatile, and glucose-responsive insulin release.
Methods: A systematic evaluation of recent literature was conducted focusing on PLGA-based delivery technologies, including multilayer microspheres, glucose-responsive systems, PEGylated carriers, and surface-modified nanocarriers. Studies examining pharmacokinetics, release mechanisms, and therapeutic outcomes were critically reviewed.
Results: Emerging PLGA-based formulations demonstrate the ability to achieve sustained, near zero-order release of insulin with significantly reduced degradation and extended circulation time. Glucose-responsive microspheres and advanced surface-engineered systems showed improved pharmacodynamic control, reduced dosing frequency, and better mimicry of physiological insulin secretion compared to conventional therapies.
Conclusions: PLGA-driven novel drug delivery systems offer a transformative approach for diabetes management, addressing the limitations of current insulin therapies. The reviewed evidence indicates strong potential for these technologies to enhance therapeutic efficacy, improve patient compliance, and pave the way for personalized long-term glucose regulation.
Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Insulin Delivery, PLGA Microspheres, Sustained Release, Nanoparticles, Glucose-responsive.
How to cite this article: Singh A, Pandey S, Kandpal N, Kashyap S, Kumar A, Tyagi Y. Diabetes Mellitus: A Comprehensive Review On Pathophysiology, Current Therapeutic Challenges, And Future Perspectives Using PLGA Microspheres. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(6s): 405-415; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.6s.66
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None