How the Gut

Microbiome May
Influence Type 2
Diabetes
By: Christa Justice
Abbreviations

 T2DM – Type 2 Diabetes

 HDL – High density lipoprotein
 FPG – Fasting plasma glucose
Why is this important?

 Altering the gut microbiota may influence the

progression and development of T2DM with the use
of probiotics, prebiotics, or dietary supplements.(1)

 A high-fiber diet + prebiotic = greater benefits with

increased good bacteria in the gut and reduced
harmful bacteria in the gut. (15)

 Multi-strain probiotics may improve glycemic

control significantly. (1,3)

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-ND

6-week Intervention Probiotic or Placebo
supplementation in diabetics (3)
P-Value: 0.94

145.5 P-Value: 0.001* 146.5 146.1

+/- 40.7 +/- 34.2 +/- 34.6
131.7
+/- 31.1

P-Value: 0.002*
46.3 44.6 44.5
44.2
+/- 10.8
+/- 11.7
7.4 9.4
+/- 6.3 +/- 5.6 9.2 9.9

PROBIOTIC (BEFORE) PROBIOTIC (AFTER) PLACEBO (BEFORE) PLACEBO (AFTER)

FPG HDL-C Insulin

*Significant difference (p < 0.05)

Results
 Multi-strain probiotics may improve
glycemic control with improved FPG,
insulin, and lipid profile in diabetics.
 Increased HDL cholesterol in animal
studies. (1,3)
 Succinate, a byproduct produced in the gut
in response to a fiber-rich diet, showed
improvement in glucose control. (5)
 Antibiotics have an affect on gut
microbiota but not glucose control. (10)

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
Discussion
 The make up of the gut microbiome
may affect the development and
progression of type 2 diabetes.

 Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)

affects over 30 million Americans. (1) This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

➢ The gut microbiota portion and diversity can vary in

adults with trillions of bacteria present in the
gastrointestinal tract. The gut microbiota can be
changed by multiple external factors like diet, drugs,
hygiene conditions, and antibiotics. (1,2)
 Strengths Limitations

• Studies were published • Limited human clinical

within the last five years trials – mixed results within
except for two studies. select few.
• Methods including new and • Mostly animal studies.
innovative tools (16S rRNA • Variable factors affecting
sequencing), microbiota the gut microbiota and not
transfer to assess specific to one factor.
modulation of the gut
microbiota composition and
diversity.
Conclusion
 Further research in clinical trials is needed due to mixed
results from current human research. However, animal
studies show consistent positive results in reducing the
severity and development of type 2 diabetes.

 Implications for future research include greater control of

variables such as diet, environment, medication use, etc.
 Higher clinical doses or longer duration, or more studies
looking at the relevant mechanisms associated with the gut
microbiome and type 2 diabetes development.
Clinical Significance

 This review compared relevant studies looking at a

variety of factors that affect the gut microbiota
variety and composition which ultimately influences
the development and progression of type 2 diabetes.

 RDNs may consider targeting the gut microbiome as a

valid treatment intervention by suggesting foods or
appropriate supplements that may help treat or
prevent type 2 diabetes.
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