Quercetin and its Role in Diabetes

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease, sometimes it is also known as diabetes mellitus, and affects millions of people worldwide.
Due to its rising incidence and potential for devastating repercussions if untreated, diabetes has emerged as a major public health concern.
The pancreas produces the hormone insulin, which is important in diabetes.
By allowing a specific type of sugar called glucose to enter cells where it may be used as energy, insulin plays a critical part in controlling blood sugar levels [1].

Types of Diabetes

Two primary processes in diabetes can impair how insulin works normally:

Insulin-dependent diabetes, frequently referred to as type 1 diabetes, is an autoimmune illness that occurs when the immune system accidentally attacks and destroys the pancreatic cells that make insulin.
Type 2 Diabetes: The most common kind of condition, accounting for almost 90% of all cases, is non-insulin-dependent diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes often strikes middle-aged or older people, and it is frequently linked to lifestyle factors like obesity, inactivity, and poor food. However, due to the rising frequency of obesity in children and adolescents, it is increasingly being diagnosed in younger people [2].

Risk Factors for Diabetes

The probability of acquiring diabetes is increased by many risk factors. These consist of:
A family history of diabetes raises the likelihood of having diabetes due to genetic factors. In comparison to people without a family history of the disease, those who have a parent or sibling with diabetes are at a higher risk.
Obesity: Having a weight problem or being obese increases your risk of getting type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance can result from excess body fat interfering with insulin's capacity to control blood sugar levels [3].
Physical inactivity: A lack of consistent exercise increases the risk of T2D by promoting obesity.
Unhealthy Diet: The risk of type 2 diabetes can rise with a diet high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and bad fats. A high-sugar diet can also cause obesity and weight increase, which raises the risk even higher.
Age: After the age of 45, there is a significant increase in the risk of type 2 diabetes. This might be brought on by things including a drop-in physical activity, muscle wasting, and hormonal adjustments.
A malfunction in the synthesis or action of insulin causes diabetes, a complex metabolic condition that raises blood sugar levels [4].
Diabetes is more likely to develop when many risk factors are present, such as genetics, obesity, physical inactivity, eating a poor diet, age, and ethnicity.

Quercetin

One of the six subclasses of flavonoid chemicals is flavanol, quercetin belongs to this class.
Typically, it is an auxin transport inhibitor.
The most prevalent flavonoid molecules are quercetin-type flavanols, which are found in plants as quercetin glycosides.
They are present in many parts of the plant as well as in many fruits and vegetables.
Quercetin can benefit many bad health conditions.
It has been proven through clinical experimentation to be very safe and effective against the following health conditions:
Arthritis
Bladder infections
Skin diseases
Diabetes
Cardiovascular diseases
Cancer
Inflammatory disorders
Allergies
Blood pressure
Liver disorders
Dementia
The effectiveness and safety of quercetin against all these disorders have been proved through scientific experiments [5].
Quercetin owes its possible antioxidant properties to the phenolic hydroxyl group and the existence of a double bond. Cancer and cardiovascular illnesses can be prevented and treated because of quercetin's antioxidant qualities.
Inflammation is triggered by free radicals in the body; however, antioxidants help scavenge and neutralize free radicals. So, it stands to reason that quercetin, an antioxidant flavonoid, would also have anti-inflammatory characteristics.
Multiple studies have shown that daily quercetin supplementation lowers levels of c-reactive protein, an inflammatory biomarker that is increased in illnesses including heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.
The antioxidant quercetin has shown anti-cancer capabilities, which is one of the reasons eating a lot of bright fruits and vegetables is so incredibly healthy. Yet, it has been demonstrated that quercetin prevents the development and multiplication of cancer cells [6].
Several laboratory and animal studies show quercetin's capacity to slow down the development of cancer cells and even trigger cancer cell death in a variety of cancer types (breast, colon, ovarian, lung, and prostate).
The cardiovascular advantages of quercetin go beyond its anti-inflammatory properties. It decreases high cholesterol, reduces blood pressure, and raises HDL levels. It protects our hearts in many different ways.

Role of Quercetin in Diabetes

Different experimental studies have been performed and the effectiveness of the quercetin compound in the treatment of diabetes is studied.
Studies have shown that quercetin can act by multiple different processes based on its properties and helps in treating diabetes [7].
It has always proven itself significant in treating diabetes by acting through different mechanisms of action. Some of the processes by which quercetin can treat diabetes are discussed here in this article.

Activation of AMPK Signaling

AMPK pathway plays a crucial role during the process of metabolism in the body. It has the potential to stimulate the uptake of glucose by the cells and to stimulate the metabolism of glucose.
So, it has been found that quercetin can stimulate AMPK signaling which in turn stimulates the uptake of glucose.
This ultimately results in an increase in the sensitivity of cells to glucose [8].
So, it can have significant outcomes in patients with Type 2 diabetes disease, who need to increase the sensitivity of insulin.

Role in Mitochondria

It has also been found through experimental studies that quercetin has the potential to stimulate the function of mitochondria. Thus, more and more energy production take place in the cells.
When cells have more energy, they can uptake it and utilize it. Which ultimately increases the sensitivity of insulin and prevents the risk of diabetes.
So, by improving the function of mitochondria, quercetin can indirectly reduce the risk for diabetes.

Anti-inflammatory Action

Quercetin is known for its anti-inflammatory properties throughout the body.
It can help in reducing inflammation in any part of the body.
It has been found that this crucial compound can help in reducing inflammation in patients with diabetes disorder and helps in the alleviation of symptoms.

Antioxidant Action of Quercetin

Studies have shown that quercetin has the capability to reduce ROS production in cells.
As the accumulation of ROS in the cells can lead to damage of these cells in diabetes patients, so by reducing oxidative stress, quercetin helps in reducing the symptoms in patients [9].

Preclinical and Clinical Trials Data

Several studies have been performed on animal models as well as on human patients to check the effectiveness of quercetin in the treatment of diabetes.
Quercetin has always shown positive outcomes in preclinical and clinical studies.
A study was performed on mice as animal models. They were given a high-fat diet for some time. When they had all the symptoms of diabetes, they were given quercetin or a placebo randomly. It was observed that the mice treated with quercetin had a significant reduction in symptoms. The sensitivity of insulin was significantly improved in them, and glucose tolerance was also increased. Moreover, the inflammation of their liver was also reduced. So, quercetin showed positive results in all respects [10].
Another preclinical study was also done in rats that had diabetes. These were randomly given either a placebo as a control or quercetin for a specific time period. It was observed that the rats treated with quercetin have normal levels of glucose in their blood as compared to those given a placebo. Moreover, they had no side effects, and oxidative stress and inflammation were also decreased.
One more study was performed on diabetic mice models. These were treated using a quercetin-rich diet. Positive outcomes were seen after using this diet. As all the symptoms of diabetes disappeared with time. The sensitivity of glucose increased significantly, and inflammation decreased [11].
These preclinical studies confirmed that quercetin has a significant role in treating diabetes. Similar studies were also performed on human patients with diabetes so that the safety and efficacy of this crucial compound can be confirmed in humans as well.
A study was performed which included individuals who were all obese. They weigh more than their normal range. They were randomly given either a placebo or quercetin compound for three weeks. The results were significant in the patients who were given quercetin as compared to those given a placebo. It was found that the people treated with quercetin have increased sensitivity to insulin as well as the glucose in their blood was reduced.
One more clinical study was done on patients having type 2 diabetes. They were also randomly given either a placebo or quercetin for three months. It was seen that the people who were given quercetin had a significant reduction in inflammation as well as oxidative stress in their cells. Moreover, there were no side effects observed [12].
Another study was performed on human patients having obesity as well as high BP. These patients were given supplements of quercetin for six weeks. Positive outcomes were observed as they got a reduction in their weight as well as normal BGL [13].
So, we have found from the literature that all the studies have observed significant results of quercetin in humans as well as in animal models for the treatment of diabetes. This crucial compound not only has significant results in this regard but also has no side effects. So, based on its safety and efficacy it can be a promising therapy for diabetic patients.