Taurine and glucose metabolism: a review.

INTRODUCTION: Taurine has probed to be involved in a wide range of biological processes and to provide several different important health benefits. Its effects have been revealed to be exerted mainly through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, among other mechanisms. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: The present review is aimed to provide a solid body of evidence regarding the beneficial effects of taurine in the context of diabetes and its complications, with an special focus on the cardiovascular health impairments so frequently associated to this disease, so that data from this updated systematic review of the literature, may constitute a base to back up future clinical and epidemiological studies, on the possibilities of taurine supplementation as a useful tool for both prevention and treatment of diabetes complications. CONCLUSIONS: We consider results from the different experimental, in vitro studies as well as some clinical ones reviewed, to provide sufficient evidence as to constitute a solid base to back up future clinical and epidemiological studies on the usefulness of taurine supplementation both in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications.