Abstract:Seaweed polysaccharide （SP） is a kind of intracellular heteropolysaccharide with hypoglycemic effects.In this paper，the sources，structural characteristics，influencing factors for the hypoglycemic effect of SPs，as well as a correlation between its antioxidant activity and hypoglycemic effects were summarized.The current research status of SPs′ hypoglycemic effect and its action mechanism were emphasized.Besides，the prospect for future research direction was illustrated.The paper could provide theoretical reference and literature basis for further research as well as the development and utilization of SPs to prepare functional foods and drugs for the prevention and treatment of diabetes.