Recent advances in antidiabetic marine-derived bioactive peptides: production, therapeutic targets, structure–function relationship, and bioavailability

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become a serious and growing public health concern. Marine-derived bioactive peptides (MDBPs), characterized by structural diversity and a high content of hydrophobic amino acids, offer a valuable reservoir for identifying novel antidiabetic compounds. This work aims to explore the T2DM therapeutic potential of MDBPs. It provides an overview preparation of MDBPs, and investigates their interactions with key therapeutic targets in T2DM, and examines their structure-activity relationships. Additionally, safety considerations of MDBPs and strategies for improving bioavailability of MDBPs are addressed. MDBPs contribute to T2DM management by modulating key metabolic enzymes through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, thereby influencing glucose metabolism and insulin signaling. The therapeutic potential of MDBPs is influenced by intrinsic factors such as peptide sequence, molecular weight, and hydrophobicity, which determine stability, bioactivity, and target specificity. Advanced delivery systems, including microencapsulation and nanocarriers, have been employed to enhance their bioavailability and controlled release. However, rigorous safety evaluations and clinical studies remain essential to facilitate their successful translation into viable therapeutic options for T2DM.