PHYTOCHEMICAL INTERVENTIONS IN DIABETES MELLITUS: A TRANSITION FROM CONVENTIONAL THERAPY TO INTEGRATIVE MANAGEMENT

Diabetes mellitus is a long -term condition that affects how the body processes glucose, leading to constantly high blood sugar levels due to issues with insulin production and after effects. The widespread incident of diabetes is increasing, and it is associated with owing to sedentary lifestyles, obesity, unhealthy dietary habits, genetic predisposition, and environmental factors. Chronic hyperglycemia contributes to oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and dysregulation of signaling pathways such as NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, AMPK, MAPK, leading to microvascular and macrovascular complications. Conventional diabetes treatment mainly manages sugar level that might lead to long term challenges such as low blood sugar, stomach problems, harm to organs, weight increase, resistance to drugs, and restricted capability to avoid diabetes-related complications. Plant-based treatments a supportive and targeted approach for managing diabetes. With strong abilities to lower blood sugar, reduce oxidative stress, fight inflammation, and protecting insulin-producing cells and signaling, expand sugar usage by cells, reducing harmful free radicals, and confining inflammation-related substances. Current development in nano-based formulations and technique for delivering plant chemicals have also improved the effectiveness and absorption of these natural compounds. This review outlines the underlying mechanisms, proven effects, and achievable advantage of plant-based treatments as a hopeful novel plan in the oversight of diabetes mellitus.