Diabetes mellitus: Strategies to delay the onset and its management options

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease caused by inherited and /or acquired deficiency in the production of insulin or ineffectiveness of the insulin. This life-long disease has been a source of concern since it affects mostly individuals in their reproductive age (45-64 years) and high risk of cardiovascular disease, blindness, kidney failure, lower limb amputation, nerve disease and fetal organ damage during pregnancy. Although, several agents are available for managing diabetes, there is absence of adequate information on the strategies for preventing, managing and treating the disease. Discussion: Herein, we gave an account of different strategies that can be adopted to prevent and manage diabetes mellitus. We indicated that strategies for preventing and managing diabetes include life style modifications, antioxidants, phytotherapy, pharmacological approach, reducing inflammatory mediators, targeting key carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes and gene therapy.Conclusion: These strategies can be adopted to reduce the high prevalence of diabetes and associated complications.