Role of polyphenols in combating Type 2 Diabetes and insulin resistance

Int J Biol Macromol. 2022 May 1:206:567-579. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.03.004. Epub 2022 Mar 2.

Abstract

Compromised carbohydrate metabolism leading to hyperglycemia is the primary metabolic disorder of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Reformed digestion and altered absorption of carbohydrates, exhaustion of glycogen stock, enhanced gluconeogenesis and overproduced hepatic glucose, dysfunction of β-cell, resistance to insulin in peripheral tissue, and impaired insulin signaling pathways are essential reasons for hyperglycemia. Although oral anti-diabetic drugs like α-glucosidase inhibitors, sulfonylureas and insulin therapies are commonly used to manage Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and hyperglycemia, natural compounds in diet also play a significant role in combating the effect of diabetes. Due to their vast bioavailability and anti-hyperglycemic effect with least or no side effects, polyphenolic compounds have gained wide popularity. Polyphenols such as flavonoids and tannins play a significant role in carbohydrate metabolism by inhibiting key enzymes responsible for the digestion of carbohydrates to glucose, viz. α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Several polyphenols such as resveratrol, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and quercetin enhanced glucose uptake in the muscles and adipocytes by translocating GLUT4 to plasma membrane mainly by the activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway. This review provides an insight into the protective role of polyphenols in T2D, highlighting the aspects of insulin resistance.

Keywords: Insulin resistance; Polyphenols; Type 2 diabetes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / drug therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / metabolism
  • Glucose / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hyperglycemia* / drug therapy
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / pharmacology
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Insulin / metabolism
  • Insulin Resistance*
  • Polyphenols / pharmacology
  • Polyphenols / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin
  • Polyphenols
  • Glucose