To learn the development of experimental study on the flavonoids of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and its complications. The experimental study of diabetes mellitus and its complications were reviewed and analyzied. Flavonoids are a kind of natural compounds with high pharmacological activity

such as antioxidant

anti-tumor

anti-cardiovascular diseases

anti-inflammatory and so on. Currently

the flavonoids mainly through scavenging free radicals

reducing lipid peroxidation

regulating lipid metabolism[such as reducing body triglycerides (TG)

total cholesterol (TC)

low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) levels

etc.]

improving insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance

regulating the expression of genes and related proteins

inhibiting α-amylase and/or α-glucosidase

improving immunity and other ways to reduce blood sugar and protect the body. So

the flavonoids have the ability to prevent and treat diabetes and its complications. Therefore

searching active ingredients from the flavonoids as lead compounds for treating diabetes and its complications has important theory value and practical significance.