Preface

The fifth volume of Frontiers in Clinical Drug Research – Diabetes and Obesity comprises five comprehensive chapters discussing novel approaches to combat diabetes and obesity.

In the first chapter, Mandrioli et al, present the three most important classical neuroleptics (chlorpromazine, haloperidol and loxapine). The most important antipsychotics are individually analyzed in relation to their propensity to cause metabolic syndrome. In chapter 2 of the book, Sobrevia et al summarise some examples of the wide variety of protocols for insulin therapy and the potential consequences of this protocol on the foetoplacental unit and the neonate from women with Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Growing evidence suggests that hyperglycemia results in increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, leading to oxidative stress which affects and damages various tissues and organs. Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between ROS and antioxidants. Houreld and Rajendran highlight the understanding of oxidative stress-related mechanisms underlying the development of diabetes. Their review also elaborates on antioxidant therapy strategies to diminish oxidative stress and to treat diabetic associated complications.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder which is the most alarming disease of the modern era. It occurs as a result of lack of insulin secretion or reduced insulin secretion or peripheral insulin resistance. In chapter 4, Anreddy et al. describe the issues concerned with the oral delivery of insulin and also discuss possible routes for the administration and use of Nanoparticles (NPs) for the best delivery of insulin.

In the last chapter of the book, Sharma et al. give comprehensive details about the merits and demerits of a class of drugs called Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors.

I owe special thanks to all the contributors for their valuable contributions in bringing together the fifth volume of this book series. I also thank the editorial staff of Bentham Science Publishers for their help and support.