Microbiome For Pre-Diabetics

Study Rationale:

The link between the microbiota and specifically type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been identified, but nevertheless, calls for further investigation with about 86 million people over the age of 20 in the US with prediabetes. Research has indicated that the gut microbiota composition was altered in groups with impaired glucose tolerance and combined glucose intolerance and T2D. In addition, the functional potential of butyrate production was decreased in prediabetics and T2D groups. These findings establish the role the gut microbiota plays as a modifiable factor to consider when developing precision medicine for T2D groups, and for pre diabetics preventing the progression of diabetes altogether.

Study Impact and Next Steps:

Early treatment of diabetes through lifestyle interventions and a hypoglycemia drug known as metformin are seen to be effective, however, when viewed in tandem with shifts in the intestinal microbiota towards a more balanced state, the result is further promotion of homeostasis through the regulation of short chain fatty acids production. 

With this information in mind, we invite you to join me to further understand the link between the microbiota and diabetes through understanding current therapies implemented in pre-diabetes, understanding butyrate production and the role it plays in regard to glucose production, and ultimately aiming to prevent the progression of diabetes in prediabetics.