Type I diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disease caused by immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, resulting in a deficiency of insulin. Type II diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance and a progressive loss of β cell function. However, the two types share important similarities despite their differences, including chronically elevated blood glucose, increased oxidative stress, and severe complications in the major organs. Curcumin exhibits antidiabetic activity; however, its clinical application is restricted by poor absorption and rapid metabolism. The therapeutic efficacy of curcumin nanoparticles was evaluated in rat models of Type I and Type II diabetes induced by alloxan and cadmium chloride, respectively, in comparison with conventional curcumin in the present study. After synthesis and characterization of the curcumin nanoparticles, various parameters were studied including body weight, glycemic control, insulin levels, carbohydrate digesting enzymes, liver and kidney function markers, oxidative stress markers and histopathology. Type I animals showed a significant (P<0.05) weight loss and severe hyperglycemia with a significant decrease in insulin, whereas Type II models presented classic insulin resistance. Curcumin treatment partly improved these parameters. However, curcumin nanoparticles (CurNPs) considerably maintained body weight and blood glucose near normal values (P<0.05) and insulin secretion or sensitivity restored (P<0.05) in both types of diabetes. The CurNPs exhibited significant decreases in carbohydrate-digestive enzymes (P<0.05), protection of hepatic and renal functions, increased antioxidant defence system and reduced lipid peroxidation. These changes were associated with histopathological analysis showing preservation of pancreatic islet structure and reduced tissue injury in diabetic organs, without toxicity in healthy controls (P<0.05). CurNPs seem to enhance curcumin's efficacy by improving blood sugar control, protecting organs, and repairing tissue. These findings suggest the possibility of using CurNPs as a promising tool in managing Type I and Type II diabetes and their complications.

To Cite This Article: Alharthi NS, 2026. Nano-curcumin as a novel therapeutic agent for type i and ii diabetes: a comparative study on enzyme inhibition and metabolic recovery in alloxan and cadmium chloride-induced rat models. Pak Vet J, 46(5): 1231-1241. http://dx.doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2026.110