Abstract
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that may lead to serious health complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage. Furthermore, type 2 diabetes prevalence is projected to exceed 592 million people worldwide by 2035. Bioactive peptides are biological molecules that modulate physiological pathways, exhibiting antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and immunomodulatory activities. Recently egg white has gained attention for developing bioactive peptides. It is hypothesized that consuming these peptides either individually or as part of unpurified or minimally purified hydrolysates may benefit individuals with type 2 diabetes when incorporated into the diet.
Although human trials investigating the effects of egg white hydrolysate remain limited, several in vitro and rodent model studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of egg white hydrolysate and other egg-derived bioactive peptides on glucose homeostasis and glycemic control. However, the underlying mechanisms by which egg-derived hydrolysates and peptides affect glucose regulation appear to be diverse.
This review summarizes evidence from preclinical and clinical studies investigating the glucoregulatory effects of egg white hydrolysate and egg-derived bioactive peptides in obesity and/or type 2 diabetes. Findings suggest potential benefits through mechanisms such as modulation of body weight, regulation of glucose absorption and uptake, and enhancement of insulin secretion and signaling. Nonetheless, further robust animal studies and clinical trials are needed to enhance our knowledge in this field and advance the use of egg peptides in the management of type 2 diabetes.