Diabetes mellitus: An updated overview and role of medicinal plants in modern treatment

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by inadequate insulin production or peripheral insulin resistance, leading to persistent hyperglycemia. Prolonged hyperglycemia levels can cause severe complications, including nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular diseases. Diabetes is classified into four main types: Type 1 DM, type 2 DM, gestational DM, and maturity-onset diabetes of the young, each with distinct etiologies and clinical manifestations. Present therapeutic strategies encompass pharmacological interventions and lifestyle modifications; however, these approaches have limitations, such as adverse effects and reduced efficacy over time. Cutting-edge treatments, including stem cell therapy, gene therapy, nanotechnology, and medicinal plant-based therapies, offer promising avenues for improved diabetes management and potential cure. Several medicinal plants, including gudmar, bitter melon, and fenugreek, contain natural compounds that regulate blood glucose levels, boost insulin secretion, and mitigate oxidative stress, positioning them as valuable adjuncts in diabetes management. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of diabetes pathophysiology, classification, and present management strategies, highlighting the necessity for novel treatment approaches in response to the global diabetes epidemic.