A recent study conducted by Dr. Elena Barengolts shows that gut microbiota contain both harmful and beneficial microbes that can affect the human body in different ways. Gut microbiota is composed of different micro-organisms and intestinal bacteria. Over time, unhealthy eating and lifestyle can cause alterations in gut microbiota. Harmful and beneficial microbes can affect human body in different ways. People with type 2 diabetes and people with healthy systems will have different compositions of microscopic organisms.
Blood Sugar and Gut Microbiota Can Predict Diabetes Risk
Science Daily talks of the study from Dr. Barengolts where she found that changes in gut microbiota usually occur during the early stages of diabetes. In line with this, they concluded that changes in person’s gut bacteria can predict their possible risk in acquiring diabetes. Researchers evaluated changes in the composition of microbiota occurring over one year in people with various levels of insulin and glucose.
The study used 116 African-American veterans participating in the DIVA (or D Vitamin Intervention), a VA clinical trial sponsored by Department of Veterans Affairs. Age bracket of respondents who participated in the study ranges from 45 to 75 years with an average index of 60. The participants were divided into four groups in accordance with the alterations in the their blood sugar control as determined by a method called the oral glucose tolerance test. Researchers set stool samples so that they can easily analyze levels of gut microbiota.
The researchers found that men with normal blood sugar control over the year had more beneficial gut bacteria. They also concluded that beneficial gut bacteria are generally good for improving a person’s metabolic health. Meanwhile, men who remained pre-diabetic had more harmful bacteria and less beneficial bacteria. There is a strong connection between state of blood sugar and composition of gut microbiota. Dr. Barengolts states that although they did not prove that unhealthy gut bacteria causes type 2 diabetes, she believes that this strong link is worth continued exploration.
The relationship between gut microbiota and blood sugar levels is not something to be ignored. Dr. Barengolts suggests healthy eating habits, like foods and supplements with probiotics, could aid in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. A healthy gut is a crucial part of a healthy life!
