Managing Blood Sugar with Polyphenols: Olive Oil’s Role in Diabetes Management

Managing Blood Sugar with Polyphenols: Olive Oil’s Role in Diabetes Management

Right now, more than 5.8 million people in the UK are living with diabetes and another 6.3 million are at increased risk of developing it. That’s over 12 million people facing blood sugar challenges every day.

But there’s encouraging news. Research shows that lifestyle interventions – especially those involving diet, exercise, and sustainable weight management – can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 50%. And you don’t have to overhaul your entire life to see change. Sometimes, it’s about smarter, more supportive choices – like switching to a high-quality, polyphenol-rich extra virgin olive oil.

Disclaimer: This content is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional before making any dietary changes.

Is Olive Oil Good for Diabetes?

You might associate olive oil with heart health, but it offers so much more. When it comes to type 2 diabetes (T2D), olive oil – particularly high-quality EVOO – can support your body in several science-backed ways:

  • Lower blood sugar levels
  • Improve insulin sensitivity
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Stabilise energy and mood swings tied to glucose spikes

In fact, increasing your intake by just 25g per day could reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes by 22%. And it’s not just about prevention – real-world studies show it helps manage existing T2D symptoms too.

What Makes EVOO Effective? It’s All About the Polyphenols

Not all olive oils are created equal. It’s the polyphenols – powerful plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects – that make the real difference. SP360 is packed with these natural defenders, including oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, which help your body in several key ways:

Lower Oxidative Stress

High blood sugar levels generate excess oxidative stress in your body. Polyphenols like oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol neutralise free radicals and protect your cells from damage.

Improve Insulin Sensitivity

Compounds in EVOO help your cells respond better to insulin. Studies show improved fasting glucose and lower HbA1c in people consuming polyphenol-rich EVOO compared to refined oils.

Inhibit Glucose Absorption

Polyphenols can slow carbohydrate digestion by inhibiting enzymes like α-amylase and α-glucosidase. This means less glucose entering your bloodstream after meals – helping prevent spikes. 

Boost Blood Sugar-Regulating Hormones

Certain polyphenols may stimulate GLP-1, an incretin hormone that helps lower blood glucose levels. Others may slow its breakdown, extending its action. 

Fight Inflammation

Chronic low-grade inflammation is a key driver of insulin resistance. EVOO’s polyphenols calm inflammatory markers like TNF-α and IL-6, improving metabolic health over time. 

Real Research, Real Results

You don’t just have to take our word for it. Here’s what recent studies show:

  • A 2022 meta-analysis found that people who consumed more olive oil had a 22% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
  • A 2017 review showed that just 10g/day of olive oil reduced diabetes risk by 9%, with the benefit peaking around 20g/day.
  • When people switched from refined oil to high-polyphenol EVOO, they saw reduced fasting glucose, lower HbA1c, weight loss, and improved liver markers.
  • And unlike fish oil or sunflower oil, EVOO was the only fat that consistently improved glycaemic control across trials.

In other words, EVOO – especially when rich in polyphenols – can do what many conventional “healthy fats” can’t.

How to Use EVOO for Better Blood Sugar Balance

You don’t need to drink it straight (though you can if you prefer). Use SP360 in ways that are enjoyable and easy to stick with:

  • Take 1-2 tablespoons per day. This is the dose used in most of the studies showing benefit.
  • Use with or before meals. This helps slow digestion, blunt blood sugar spikes, and increase satiety.
  • Pair with fibre-rich foods. Vegetables, legumes, and whole grains boost the effect and further support glucose control.
  • Mix it in naturally. Drizzle over roasted veg, blend into soups, stir into hummus or dressings. No gimmicks – just daily wellness made simple.

The key is consistency and quality. SP360 is cold-pressed, filtered, and lab-tested with 1,462 mg/kg of polyphenols – well over the 1,000 mg/kg “medical grade” benchmark used in research. That’s a level of potency most supermarket oils can’t come close to.

A Daily Ritual for Resilience

Managing your blood sugar isn’t about restriction. It’s about giving your body the right tools to thrive. 

When you choose SP360, you’re not just adding olive oil – you’re giving your body daily support for your blood sugar, backed by real science, in a sustainable, refillable bottle. It’s a small shift with big impact – and it works with your body, not against it.

Subscribe today and make SP360 part of your everyday routine. For blood sugar support that’s natural, gentle, and made to work with your body.

 

 

Sources

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(2) Alkhatib, A., Tsang, C. and Tuomilehto, J. (2018). Olive Oil Nutraceuticals in the Prevention and Management of Diabetes: From Molecules to Lifestyle. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(7), p.2024. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19072024. 

(3) Schwingshackl, L., Lampousi, A-M., Portillo, M.P., Romaguera, D., Hoffmann, G. and Boeing, H. (2017). Olive oil in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies and intervention trials. Nutrition & Diabetes, [online] 7(4), pp.e262–e262. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/nutd.2017.12. 

(4) Santangelo, C., Filesi, C., Varì, R., Scazzocchio, B., Filardi, T., Fogliano, V., D’Archivio, M., Giovannini, C., Lenzi, A., Morano, S. and Masella, R. (2016). Consumption of extra-virgin olive oil rich in phenolic compounds improves metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a possible involvement of reduced levels of circulating visfatin. Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, [online] 39(11), pp.1295–1301. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s40618-016-0506-9.

(5) Naz, R., Saqib, F., Awadallah, S., Wahid, M., Latif, M.F., Iqbal, I. and Mubarak, M.S. (2023). Food Polyphenols and Type II Diabetes Mellitus: Pharmacology and Mechanisms. Molecules, 28(10), p.3996. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28103996.

(6) Shahwan, M., Alhumaydhi, F., Ashraf, G. Md., Hasan, P. M. Z., & Shamsi, A. (2022). Role of polyphenols in combating Type 2 Diabetes and insulin resistance. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 206, 567–579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.03.004. 

(7) Fernandes, I., Oliveira, J., Pinho, A. and Carvalho, E. (2022). The Role of Nutraceutical Containing Polyphenols in Diabetes Prevention. Metabolites, 12(2), p.184. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo12020184. 

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