Mechanism-Based Classification of Functional Ingredients for Blood Glucose Control and Their Antidiabetic Potential

With the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), interest in functional food ingredients that play a role in blood glucose regulation has grown. This review aimed to systematically examine the mechanisms of action of the selected functional ingredients based on the key glucose-regulating pathways closely associated with T2DM. These mechanisms were classified into four major categories: improvement of insulin resistance via activation of the glucose transporter type 4 pathway, protection of pancreatic β-cells through maintenance of the glucose transporter type 2 pathway, modulation of the gut environment and suppression of inflammation as indirect regulatory routes, and activation of the glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion pathway. Functional ingredients such as banaba leaf extract, guava leaf extracts, resistant maltodextrin, fructooligosaccharides, and red ginseng were found to contribute to glucose metabolism regulation through distinct mechanisms. This review provides exploratory insights into the potential use of these materials as antidiabetic agents by linking their scientific basis with glycemic control and may offer implications for future research and product development within the food industry.