The article reviews the impact of dietary polyphenols on carbohydrate metabolism, focusing on their effects on postprandial glycemia, pancreatic β-cell function, tissue glucose uptake, and liver function. Polyphenols, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, proanthocyanidins, and resveratrol, are found in plant-based foods and have been shown to influence carbohydrate metabolism at various levels. In animal models and limited human studies, polyphenols have been found to attenuate postprandial glycemic responses, improve insulin secretion, and enhance insulin sensitivity. Mechanisms include inhibiting carbohydrate digestion and glucose absorption, stimulating insulin secretion, modulating glucose release from the liver, and activating insulin receptors and glucose uptake in insulin-sensitive tissues. Epidemiological evidence supports the positive effects of polyphenols on glucose homeostasis. However, more human trials with well-defined diets and controlled study designs are needed to confirm the benefits of polyphenol consumption in preventing insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. The review also discusses the potential mechanisms by which polyphenols affect these processes, including their interactions with gut microbiota, glucose transporters, and signaling pathways.The article reviews the impact of dietary polyphenols on carbohydrate metabolism, focusing on their effects on postprandial glycemia, pancreatic β-cell function, tissue glucose uptake, and liver function. Polyphenols, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, proanthocyanidins, and resveratrol, are found in plant-based foods and have been shown to influence carbohydrate metabolism at various levels. In animal models and limited human studies, polyphenols have been found to attenuate postprandial glycemic responses, improve insulin secretion, and enhance insulin sensitivity. Mechanisms include inhibiting carbohydrate digestion and glucose absorption, stimulating insulin secretion, modulating glucose release from the liver, and activating insulin receptors and glucose uptake in insulin-sensitive tissues. Epidemiological evidence supports the positive effects of polyphenols on glucose homeostasis. However, more human trials with well-defined diets and controlled study designs are needed to confirm the benefits of polyphenol consumption in preventing insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. The review also discusses the potential mechanisms by which polyphenols affect these processes, including their interactions with gut microbiota, glucose transporters, and signaling pathways.