Role of Flavonoids in Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity are known as important chronic diseases in the world. A common mechanism of pathogenesis in both diseases is the dysregulation of the insulin-signaling pathway that is essential to maintain an appropriate levels of glucose. Flavonoids are naturally occurring phenolic compounds that exist many foods including in fruits, vegetables and seeds. Accumulating lines of evidence showed a preventive role for the flavonoids against T2D and obesity, and at present, these compounds are suggested as crucial potential chemopreventive agents. In this review we summarized in vitro and in vivo investigations evaluating data related to the effects of flavonoids and flavonoid-rich foods on the regulation of the insulin-signaling pathway during T2D and obesity. Interestingly, few human investigations have assessed the modulatory effect of these phenolic compounds at molecular level on the insulin regulation. In this regard, it is also important to be considered that the underlying mechanism of the flavonoids is not fully clarified and that an appropriate dosage to reach a positive effects on health status has not been characterized yet. More studies will be required to clarify all these critical inconsistencies and will approve the use of flavonoids to prevent, delay or improve the treatment of T2D and obesity