Algae as a Source of Bioactive Compounds to Prevent the Development of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a complicated metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance. It is considered as a new pandemic whose control is creating numerous challenges. Although many of the measures are based on improving life habits, diet is also of vital importance due to bioactive compounds present in food. In this regard, several raw materials have been investigated whose bioactivities seem to slow the progression of this disease. Within these matrices there are algae of importance, such as brown algae, showing to have beneficial effects on glycemic control. These evidences are increasing every day due to the development of cell or animal models which leads to the conclusion that bioactive compounds may have direct effects on decreasing hyperglycemia, enhancing insulin secretion and preventing formation of amyloid plaques.