Solid Lipid Nanoparticles in Metabolic Disorders: A Novel Strategy for Targeted Delivery in Diabetes and Obesity

Metabolic disorders, especially diabetes mellitus and obesity, are now major health problems worldwide and are characterized by problems with glucose and lipid processing, insulin resistance, persistent inflammation, and oxidative stress. Commonly used treatments for these diseases can be limited by the low water solubility of drugs and their decreased bioavailability, general distribution throughout the body, and side effects. Using solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) in drug delivery systems is a promising way to increase drug solubility, stability, and availability in the body and control the location of the drug. SLNs formed from biocompatible and biodegradable lipids and surfactants have special features, including a solid lipid matrix, controlled drug release, and avoidance of first-pass metabolism, making them suitable for managing chronic metabolic diseases. First, this review explains the underlying causes of diabetes and obesity and then covers the design, properties, and mechanisms of SLN-based drug delivery. It also highlights recent findings from experiments and clinical studies that have shown that SLNs help control blood sugar levels, improve lipid levels, improve insulin activity, and reduce inflammation in fat tissue. This article also covers new methods for modifying surfaces, linking ligands, and producing SLNs targeted to pancreatic β cells, adipose tissue, and the liver. Moreover, this paper examines how regulations, translation issues in industry, and the outlook for clinical applications are handled. Overall, SLNs make metabolic therapy more effective, safer, and easier for patients to follow by enhancing the actions and absorption of drugs used in diabetes and obesity.