A rabbit meat extract significantly lowered fasting blood glucose levels in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes, a recent study has found. Researchers observed a maximum reduction of 46.5% in fasting blood glucose compared to a control group.
The research, a collaboration between the Rural Development Administration and Jeonbuk National University’s Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, suggests that rabbit meat extract may positively influence metabolic responses related to blood sugar regulation. This finding is particularly relevant as type 2 diabetes is a growing global health concern.
The study focused on mice exhibiting symptoms similar to type 2 diabetes, where insulin is produced but the body doesn’t respond to it effectively, leading to elevated blood sugar. For eight weeks, the mice received the rabbit meat extract, and researchers monitored changes.
In addition to the substantial decrease in fasting blood glucose, the study also revealed a 30.1% reduction in blood glucose levels during an oral glucose tolerance test – a measure of how well the body processes sugar after consumption. An insulin resistance test showed a 16.5% decrease in blood glucose levels compared to the control group, indicating improved glucose metabolism.
Further investigation at the cellular level showed that the rabbit meat extract activated insulin signaling pathways in muscle and fat tissue, and increased the transport of glucose into cells. Specifically, researchers noted an increased co-localization of GLUT4 – a glucose transporter – with the cell membrane protein Caveoli-3, suggesting enhanced glucose uptake. As illustrated in research photos, the area where these two signals overlap (appearing yellow) expanded.
“This study confirms that rabbit meat may have positive effects on metabolic responses related to blood sugar utilization,” said Kang Geun-ho, head of the Livestock Food Tech Division at the National Institute of Animal Science. “These results could be key for utilizing rabbit meat as a functional food ingredient.”
The findings, released on March 3, 2026, offer a potential avenue for exploring novel dietary approaches to managing blood sugar levels. Further research is needed to determine the applicability of these results to humans. Additional details about the study are available online.
