Type 2 diabetes is an impairment in the way the body regulates and uses sugar (glucose) as a fuel. This long-term (chronic) condition results in too much sugar circulating in the bloodstream. Eventually, high blood sugar levels can lead to disorders of the circulatory, nervous and immune systems. Post-prandial glucose has been associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with and without diabetes.

Recently, Lammi et al studied the potentially beneficial effect of EVOO consumption on the atherosclerotic process and diabetes. Their results showed that oleocanthal inhibited the expressin of two hormons (GLP-1 and GIP), two incretins playing essential roles in controlling post-prandial glycemia s eliciting insulin secretion and lowering post-prandial blood glucose.


Figure 4. Putative complex between DPP-IV and oleuropein aglycone or ligstroside aglycone. Oleuropein aglycone (dark green) and ligstroside aglycone (purple) in complex with DPP-4, seen from the front (top) and the back (bottom). Key residues S630 and H740 of the catalytic triad appear to be evidently involved in the binding of both ligands.


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