PREVENT

Diabetes is a chronic non-communicable disease and one of the leading causes of death in the world. Portugal has one of the highest prevalence rates in Europe, with more than 830,000 diabetics registered with the National Health System, as well as a high prevalence of pre-diabetics, who represent an increased risk of developing diabetes and its comorbidities. One of the most effective interventions for preventing this glycaemic dysregulation is through the adoption of a healthy eating pattern and an active lifestyle. The role of the Mediterranean diet (MD) and olive oil in the context of healthy eating is indisputable. The adoption of a MD and olive oil act as a coadjuvant in the prevention of diabetes, due to their content in bioactive components, such as phenolic compounds like oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol and oleocanthal. Olive leaves, already traditionally used as infusions by people from Trás-os-Montes, are also highly rich in bioactive components that include secoiridoid, a class of polyphenols that has many biological activities, including action on incretins, insulin secretion and glucose uptake, thus helping to regulate glycaemia. These leaves are classified as natural flavourings by the European Council, yet they are generally discarded, with a negative impact on the environment. PREVENT Project file