Dysglycemia and Cardiometabolic Risk: Pathophysiological Rationale and the Emerging Role of Nutraceuticals in...

Area of Science:

• Cardiometabolic Health
• Nutritional Science
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Dysglycemia, characterized by insulin resistance and inflammation, is an early stage of cardiometabolic disease with high prevalence.
• Its asymptomatic nature often leads to delayed diagnosis and intervention, highlighting the need for proactive strategies.
• Recognizing dysglycemia as a continuum emphasizes integrated preventive approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of nutraceuticals as supportive tools in managing dysglycemia.
• To investigate how nutraceuticals target key pathophysiological mechanisms of dysglycemia.
• To evaluate the potential of nutraceuticals in improving glycemic control and delaying type 2 diabetes progression.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical evidence on nutraceuticals, including micronutrients, polyphenols, and plant extracts.
• Analysis of the mechanisms of action of specific phytocomplexes (e.g., Mangifera indica, Momordica charantia, Malus domestica).
• Assessment of the integration of nutraceuticals with lifestyle and dietary interventions.

Main Results:

• Clinical evidence supports the use of selected nutraceuticals in improving fasting and postprandial glycemic control.
• Phytocomplexes demonstrate multitarget actions, including modulating carbohydrate absorption and enhancing glucose uptake.
• Nutraceuticals, when combined with lifestyle changes, may reduce glycemic variability and delay progression to type 2 diabetes.

Conclusions:

• Nutraceuticals are valuable adjuncts in managing dysglycemia, particularly for at-risk individuals not yet requiring pharmacological therapy.
• They target key mechanisms like insulin sensitivity, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
• Nutraceuticals serve as a rational link between lifestyle modifications and pharmacologic treatment in personalized dysglycemia management.