Via practica 1/2025
Impact of selected polyphenols on type 2 diabetes mellitus
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing public health problem associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The worldwide prevalence of this disease is increasing. Polyphenols are a large and heterogeneous group of phytochemicals in fresh fruits, vegetables and their products. A limited number of human studies have revealed that polyphenols can reduce hyperglycemia and improve acute insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. Possible mechanisms include reduced intestinal glucose absorption, inhibition of carbohydrate digestion, stimulation of insulin secretion, modulation of hepatic glucose release, activation of insulin receptors and glucose uptake in insulin-sensitive tissues, modulation of intracellular signaling pathways and gene expression. Growing evidence suggests that different dietary polyphenols can affect blood glucose concentrations at different levels and may also help control and prevent diabetic complications. However, further clinical studies are needed to determine the impact of polyphenol-rich foods, their effective dose and mechanisms in the treatment of T2DM.
Keywords: type 2 diabetes mellitus, polyphenols, antidiabetic agents
