Search for Novel Therapeutic Targets of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia and carries a high risk of numerous complications. The rising prevalence of this lifelong condition affects millions globally, demanding novel therapeutic strategies. Existing medications targeting insulin and other pathways often pose limitations like suboptimal glycemic control, side effects, and high costs. Novel therapeutic targets are crucial for developing better treatments and potentially reducing side effects associated with previous drugs. Objective: This paper aims to comprehensively review and analyze potential targets for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. Search terms included “diabetes mellitus”, “novel targets”, “drug discovery”, “gene expression” and “molecular pathways”. We identified over 175 published articles exploring novel therapeutic targets for DM. Results: The review presented a detailed analysis of promising anti-diabetic targets. These targets encompass various pathways and mechanisms, including insulin signaling, Glucose signaling, inflammation and oxidative stress, gut microbiome, and epigenetic modifications. Several promising candidates emerged, such as Glucokinase activators, GPCRs modifiers, Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase antagonists, Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B antagonist, 11β-Hydroxysteroid, andDehydrogenase antagonists. Potential therapeutic agents targeting these emerging targets will be discussed, along with their mechanisms of action and preclinical/clinical evidence. Conclusion: By identifying and comprehensively analyzing new therapeutic targets, this review intends to provide insights for the development of more effective and efficient diabetes management strategies. The information presented can guide future research initiatives and drug development efforts toward novel and promising anti-diabetic therapies.