Polyphenol-rich dark chocolate in treatment of diabetes mellitus risk factors

Type 2 diabetes is generally characterized by hyperglycemia, insulin resistance (reduced insulin sensitivity), and obesity, which is associated with not only diabetes but also hyperlipidemia and hypertension.
Evidence from the past 10 years demonstrates that moderate intake of dark chocolate may exert protective effects against the development of type 2 diabetes risk factors; however, large-scale clinical trials are required.
Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the chocolate’s positive effects, not only on insulin sensitivity and vascular endothelial function but also its metabolic (fat and carbohydrate), antihypertensive, antithrombotic, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Polyphenol-rich chocolate may potentially be used as a nutraceutical medication to help treat diabetes, strokes, and vascular dementia; thus, future studies should provide information on polyphenol content and the flavanol plasma levels achieved.