Phytochemicals in The Management of Diabetes Mellitus: A Comprehensive Review

Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder resulting from inadequate insulin secretion or compromised insulin function. Hyperglycaemia and glucose intolerance resulting from insulin resistance are defining characteristics of diabetes, a metabolic and endocrine disorder. Hyperglycaemia is a prevalent condition linked to diabetes mellitus, potentially leading to many problems such as peripheral vascular diseases, diabetic nephropathy, retinal impairment, neuropathy, delayed wound healing, myocardial infarctions, and ketoacidosis. Synthetic pharmaceuticals are costly and have a significant risk of unwanted effects when employed in the treatment of diabetes. Herbal products provide a substantial focus for medicinal research owing to their extensive diversity and few adverse effects. In developing nations with few resources, medicinal plants and phytoconstituents are essential for treating diabetes mellitus. Integrating plant-based foods into the daily diet offers several health benefits, such as weight management in obese individuals and mitigating elevated blood sugar levels (hyperglycaemia) observed in diabetes mellitus. The identification of phytochemicals in medicinal plants is a great opportunity for the development of innovative diabetes therapies. Medicinal plants can aid in preventing and treating diabetes due to their phytochemicals, including phenolics, alkaloids, polysaccharides, and glycosides. Phenolics encompass terpenoids, steroids, and flavonoids. Multiple epidemiological studies have evidenced the efficacy of a plant-based diet (vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices) in preventing and managing diabetes. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of phytochemicals exhibiting hypoglycaemic action.