Chapter 10 - Biological macromolecules as antidiabetic agents

Abstract

Biological macromolecules have been recently recommended as potential natural antidiabetic agents for the treatment of various types of diabetes. Generally, larger molecules that are made up of smaller organic molecules and necessary for living organisms are considered as biological macromolecules. These macromolecules can be broadly classified as lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids. All these distinct classes of macromolecules are highly essential as cell components and are beneficial in a wide range of functions. The building blocks of these macromolecules can be modified via enzymatic and chemical methods to form beneficial biological macromolecules for desired pharmaceutical applications. These biological macromolecules are being utilized widely as antidiabetic agents to increase insulin secretion, reduce blood glucose, beta-cell proliferation and inhibition of certain types of diabetes while minimizing complications. This chapter is an overview of different types of biological macromolecules and their applications as potential antidiabetic agents. Further, the advantages, limitations, and future perspectives of biological macromolecules as antidiabetic agents are also discussed.