Molecular mechanisms and structure—activity relationships of natural polysaccharides in ameliorating type 2 diabetes mellitus: a comprehensive review (opens in new tab)

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global metabolic pandemic affecting hundreds of millions of people, with current pharmacological therapies limited by adverse effects, long-term tolerability issues, and cost barriers. Natural polysaccharides—high-molecular-weight carbohydrate polymers derived from plants, fungi, marine organisms, and animal sources—have emerged as a promising class of multi-target bioactive agents for T2DM management. This comprehensive review first outlines the key patho...