Insulin resistance, a key feature of type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome, presents a significant global health challenge. Curcumin, a bioactive compound found in turmeric, has garnered increasing attention for its potential therapeutic effects on various health conditions, including insulin resistance. This review aims to consolidate the current understanding of the beneficial impacts of curcumin on insulin resistance. Numerous preclinical studies have demonstrated the ability of curcumin to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis through multiple mechanisms. These include modulation of insulin signaling pathways, attenuation of inflammatory responses, enhancement of antioxidant defenses, and regulation of lipid metabolism. Additionally, emerging evidence suggests that curcumin may exert direct effects on insulin-responsive tissues, including skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.
Clinical trials investigating the effects of curcumin supplementation on insulin resistance and related metabolic parameters have shown promising results, although further research is warranted to establish its efficacy and safety in diverse populations. Challenges such as poor bioavailability and variability in study designs underscore the need for innovative delivery systems and standardized protocols to maximize the therapeutic potential of curcumin. Overall, the available evidence suggests that curcumin holds promise as a natural therapeutic agent for mitigating insulin resistance and its associated metabolic dysregulation. Further research efforts aimed at elucidating its mechanisms of action, optimizing dosing regimens, and exploring synergistic interactions with other therapeutic modalities may facilitate the integration of curcumin into clinical practice for the management of insulin resistance and related metabolic disorders.
