A Fiber- and Plant-Based Nutraceutical Attenuates Insulin Resistance and Oxidative Stress in Type 2 Diabetic Mice

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Nutraceuticals, consisting of bioactive compounds or materials, are increasingly regarded as promising strategies for the prevention and management of diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic potential of a nutraceutical formulation (Sugar Care, SC) composed of indigestible maltodextrin, pumpkin extract, and bitter melon extract, using a type 2 diabetic mouse model. <b>Methods</b>: A starch postprandial model in fasted normal mice was first used to assess postprandial glycemic response. Oral administration of SC at 820 and 1230 mg/kg was applied for two weeks prior to starch challenge. Subsequently, male <i>db</i>/<i>db</i> mice were randomly assigned to a diabetic control group or an SC-treated group (820 mg/kg; <i>n</i> = 8 per group) for four weeks. Glucose tolerance, fasting glucose and insulin levels, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipid profile, fructosamine, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs) were evaluated. <b>Results</b>: SC at 820 and 1230 mg/kg significantly ameliorated starch-induced postprandial hyperglycemia in normal mice (<i>p</i> < 0.05). In <i>db</i>/<i>db</i> mice, four-week administration of SC significantly improved glucose tolerance and reduced fasting hyperinsulinemia and HOMA-IR values (<i>p</i> < 0.05). SC treatment also significantly decreased plasma fructosamine and TBARS levels, as well as total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations (<i>p</i> < 0.05). <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings provide preclinical evidence that this multi-component nutraceutical formulation improves glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia in a genetic model of type 2 diabetes. Further mechanistic and translational studies are warranted.