Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Protective Effects of Whole Red Raspberries Against Insulin Resistance and Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes

Red raspberries (Rubus idaeus) are a good source of health enhancing hydrolyzable and condensed tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, rheosmin, potassium, carotenoids, vitamin C, and vitamin K1. Compared to other berries commonly consumed in the US, the health benefits of red raspberries to improve pre-diabetes mellitus (PDM) and type 2 diabetes have never been explored. The clinical study proposed in this project seeks to investigate the protective effect of whole red raspberries against insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation in PDM and type 2 diabetic patients. The in vitro study proposed in the project will assist in identifying the molecular mechanisms by which whole red raspberry protect islet cells against oxidative stress, insulin resistance and loss of cell function.