HYPOGLYCEMIC AND PANCREOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF BETULIN-ENRICHED YOGURTS IN A RAT MODEL OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Background. Functional foods have emerged as a promising strategy in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this context, a specialized line of yogurts enriched with betulin, branded as "DiaVita," has been developed to support dietary interventions for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Objective. To evaluate the protective effects of betulin-enriched yogurts in an experimental model of type 2 diabetes induced in rats. Material and Methods. Type 2 diabetes was experimentally induced in Wistar rats through a combination of a highfat diet and streptozotocin administration. The animals were subsequently administered yogurts containing varying concentrations of betulin. The animals' body weight and glycemia levels were determined. A glucose tolerance test was performed on the 45th day of the experiment. Hb1Ac (in whole blood lysates) and insulin concentrations in rat blood serum were determined by enzyme immunoassay. At the end of the experiment, histological and morphometric analysis of pancreatic tissue samples was performed. Results. Betulin-enriched yogurts demonstrated significant efficacy in normalizing blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, as well as reducing insulin resistance. Additionally, notable pancreoprotective effects were observed. Conclusion. Yogurts fortified with betulin exhibit marked hypoglycemic and pancreoprotective properties, indicating their potential as a functional dietary component in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.