In:
Current Pharmaceutical Design, Bentham Science Publishers Ltd., Vol. 25, No. 15 ( 2019-08-19), p. 1760-1782
Abstract:
The Mediterranean diet is a healthy eating pattern that protects against the development
of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood sugar levels due to pancreatic beta-cell functional impairment and insulin resistance in various tissues. Inspired by the ancient communities,
this diet emphasizes eating primarily plant-based foods, including vegetables, legumes, fruits, cereals, and nuts. Importantly, virgin olive oil is used as the principal source of fat. Red meat is consumed in low amounts
while wine and fish are consumed moderately. Objective: Here, we review the most beneficial components of the Mediterranean Diet and tentative mechanisms
of action for prevention and/or management of T2DM, based on research conducted within the last decade. Methods: The references over the last five years have been reviewed and they have been selected properly according
to inclusion/ exclusion criteria. Results: Several bioactive diet components were evaluated to prevent inflammation and cytokine-induced oxidative
damage, reduce glucose concentration, carbohydrate absorption and increase insulin sensitivity and related gene expression. Conclusion: The adherence to a healthy lifestyle, including diet, exercise and habits remains the best approach
for the prevention of diabetes as well as frequent check-ups and education. Though diabetes has a strong genetic component, in recent years many reports strongly point to the critical role of lifestyle specific epigenetic modifications
in the development of T2DM. It remains to be established how different components of the Mediterranean Diet interact and influence the epigenetic landscape to prevent or treat the disease.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1381-6128
DOI:
10.2174/1381612825666190705191000
Language:
English
Publisher:
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Publication Date:
2019
SSG:
15,3
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