To develop novel therapeutic methods for both diabetic and renal disorders, scientists had initially focused on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of taurine in established cell lines and mouse models. Although a large amount of data have been revealed, taurine has been confirmed to be the next step of novel promising therapeutic interventions against diabetic disorders. Taurine appears to ameliorate diabetes 1-related complications in various organs through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-hormonal actions. In type 2 diabetes, taurine has been positively implicated in glucose homeostasis, exerting potent hypoglycemic, anti-obesity, hypotensive and hypolipidemic effects. Of particular interest is that taurine provides protection against renal dysfunction, including hypertension and proteinuria, specific glomerular and tubular disorders, acute and chronic renal conditions, and diabetic nephropathy. The ameliorative effects of taurine against renal disorders are based on its osmoregulatory properties, its association with signaling pathways and its association with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Further clinical studies are required to ensure the importance of research findings.
Types of diabetesDiabetes is a prevalent endocrine disease associated with oxidative stress. In 2014, 422 million individuals were diagnosed with diabetes worldwide, while diabetes was directly associated with 1,5 million deaths in 2012 and 2,2 million deaths indirectly through an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and other diseases (1).Diabetes mellitus is categorized into two types according to insulin dependence. Type 1 diabetes mellitus or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) (formerly known as juvenile diabetes) is characterized by hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is considered an autoimmune disease, in which T-cells mediate the elimination of pancreatic β-cells and thereby contribute to the production of low insulin levels (2). In type 2 diabetes mellitus or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) (formerly known as adult diabetes), insulin resistance seems to be the predominant factor and occurs from defects in insulin secretion and a low tissue sensitivity to insulin (3). Diabetes is also known to cause complications, such as cardiovascular diseases, neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, foot ulcers, skin lesions and hearing impairment (4).Diabetes mellitus is associated with high blood sugar levels for a long period of time due to alterations in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism, which results from a dysfunction