Insulin resistance is at the root of most glucose control disorders like type II diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

With normal function, the body's insulin system helps process blood glucose, keeping levels in check. If insulin resistance develops, blood sugar levels can soar, eventually causing widespread damage.¹

A review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found that individuals supplemented with lycopene tended to have lower levels of fasting blood glucose. This was true in studies in diabetics and non-diabetics, including those with metabolic abnormalities.²

An earlier comprehensive review of human studies noted better metabolic health in those who consume more lycopene.³

Insulin Resistance

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It instructs cells to take up and use glucose.

After a meal, blood glucose levels rise. Insulin helps cells process this glucose, bringing levels down again.⁴

When sensitivity to insulin drops, which is more common with advancing age and abdominal obesity, it is known as insulin resistance. This happens because cells do not take up glucose efficiently and levels stay abnormally high.¹

Insulin resistance can lead to type II diabetes and can be related to accelerated aging. This includes development of disorders of the heart, brain, kidneys, nerves, and (fatty) liver.¹

The number of people with diabetes is rising and is expected to reach more than half a billion worldwide by 2030.⁵

Lycopene Improves Metabolic Health

Lycopene is a red carotenoid pigment found in tomatoes, watermelon, and other fruits. It has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and has been studied for its potential ability to fight factors that drive chronic disorders.⁶

In a large review of studies, researchers determined that higher dietary lycopene or higher serum lycopene was associated with reduced all-cause mortality, prostate cancer, stroke, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and male infertility.⁷

Several studies have suggested that some of lycopene's anti-aging benefits may be due to its ability to protect against metabolic disease and elevated blood glucose.^2,8,9

A systematic review of human studies has found an association between higher lycopene intake or blood levels and better metabolic health.

Similar results were seen in a subset of human intervention trials, showing protective effects of lycopene intake against metabolic syndrome using varying dosages and duration of intake in the studies.³

A review and meta-analysis of clinical studies found that those with higher lycopene intake tend to have lower levels of fasting blood glucose in both diabetics and non-diabetics.²

Improves Insulin Resistance

In the last couple of years, new research into lycopene's effect on insulin has been published.

Obese animals and aged animals normally suffer from insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. But lycopene intake reversed these metabolic abnormalities, improving insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial function, along with blood glucose control.^10-14

Studies have also found that lycopene reduced inflammation in liver and fat tissues,^10,15 lowering signs of tissue aging, and improving  the function of blood vessels, which normally deteriorate with insulin resistance.^11,12

Lycopene's ability to improve metabolism and counter insulin resistance is partly due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.^8,11,12

Recent studies, however, suggest another way that lycopene may improve insulin function.

Lycopene activates an anti-aging protein in cells called SIRT1. Diminished activity of this sirtuin (a protein critical for cellular health) is part of the process that leads to insulin resistance.^11,12 By boosting SIRT1, lycopene fights aging while improving insulin function.

This suggests that augmenting sirtuin function is an additional mechanism that aids in lycopene's metabolic benefits.

Summary

Insulin resistance leads to high blood sugar and metabolic disorders, including type II diabetes.

Observational studies suggest that lycopene intake may help lower high blood sugar levels. Recent research shows that lycopene may restore insulin sensitivity, improve sirtuin function, and reduce chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.

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References

1. Zhao X, An X, Yang C, et al. The crucial role and mechanism of insulin resistance in metabolic disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023;14:1149239.
2. Inoue T, Yoshida K, Sasaki E, et al. Effect of Lycopene Intake on the Fasting Blood Glucose Level: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2022 Dec 27;15(1).
3. Senkus KE, Tan L, Crowe-White KM. Lycopene and Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Adv Nutr. 2019 Jan 1;10(1):19-29.
4. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/prediabetes-insulin-resistance. Accessed July 17, 2024.
5. Available at: https://idf.org/about-diabetes/diabetes-facts-figures/. Accessed July 17, 2024.
6. Abir MH, Mahamud A, Tonny SH, et al. Pharmacological potentials of lycopene against aging and aging-related disorders: A review. Food Sci Nutr. 2023 Oct;11(10):5701-35.
7. Li N, Wu X, Zhuang W, et al. Tomato and lycopene and multiple health outcomes: Umbrella review. Food Chem. 2021 May 1;343:128396.
8. Leh HE, Lee LK. Lycopene: A Potent Antioxidant for the Amelioration of Type II Diabetes Mellitus. Molecules. 2022 Apr 4;27(7).
9. Zhu R, Chen B, Bai Y, et al. Lycopene in protection against obesity and diabetes: A mechanistic review. Pharmacol Res. 2020 Sep;159:104966.
10. Chen G, Ni Y, Nagata N, et al. Lycopene Alleviates Obesity-Induced Inflammation and Insulin Resistance by Regulating M1/M2 Status of Macrophages. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2019 Nov;63(21):e1900602.
11. Li J, Zeng X, Yang X, Ding H. Lycopene ameliorates skin aging by regulating the insulin resistance pathway and activating SIRT1. Food Funct. 2022 Oct 31;13(21):11307-20.
12. Li J, Zhang Y, Zeng X, et al. Lycopene ameliorates insulin resistance and increases muscle capillary density in aging via activation of SIRT1. J Nutr Biochem. 2022Jan;99:108862.
13. Wang J, Li T, Li M, et al. Lycopene attenuates oxidative stress-induced hepatic dysfunction of insulin signal transduction: involvement of FGF21 and mitochondria. J Nutr Biochem. 2022 Dec;110:109144.
14. Wang J, Li T, Li M, et al. Lycopene attenuates D-galactose-induced insulin signaling impairment by enhancing mitochondrial function and suppressing the oxidative stress/inflammatory response in mouse kidneys and livers. Food Funct. 2022 Jul 18;13(14):7720-9.
15. Donghia R, Campanella A, Bonfiglio C, et al. Protective Role of Lycopene in Subjects with Liver Disease: NUTRIHEP Study. Nutrients. 2024 Feb 18;16(4):562.