Abstract

Inadequate functional beta cell mass seems to be the primary cause of type 2 diabetes. Increased oxidative stress and inflammation are the leading causes of betacell death. Preservation of functional beta-cell mass in type 2 diabetes is a critical target for type 2 diabetes management. Numerous studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of dietary components on beta cell management in type 2 diabetes, through multiple mechanisms. These dietary components modulate intercellular cascades that inhibit inflammatory molecule synthesis, the formation of free radicals, and nuclear damage, as well as induce antioxidant enzyme expression. The present review article focuses on dietary components and seeks to summarize their mechanism(s) in the prevention of diabetes initiation and progression through beta-cell management in type 2 diabetes.

Keywords: Beta-cells, bioactivity, curcumin, flavonoids, islets, vitamins.