Pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies for type 2 diabetes on the gut microbiota

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2019Source: Canadian Journal of DiabetesAuthor(s): Robert CaesarAbstractThe gut microbiota is an important regulator of host metabolism. Metagenome analyses have demonstrated that the gut microbiota differs between type 2 diabetes patients and healthy subjects, and several studies have shown that impaired glucose metabolism is associated with decreased levels of butyrate-producing bacteria. Gut microbiota-produced metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, amino acid-derivatives and secondary bile acids participate in metabolic and immunological processes and hence pose putative links between the gut microbiota and glucose homeostasis. Strategies to prevent and treat type 2 diabetes through manipulation of the gut microbiota are being developed. These include replacement of the gut microbiota by fecal transplantation, consumption of fibers to promote function and growth of beneficial bacteria, and treatment with probiotic bacterial strains. Furthermore, it has been shown that many drugs, including drugs used for treatment of diabetes, have major impact on gut microbiota, and thereby potentially on glucose metabolism. In particular, the commonly used drug metformin has been shown to influence the functional capacity of the gut microbiota, and recent evidences indicate that this may contribute to the antidiabetic effect of metformin.

Source: Canadian Journal of Diabetes - February 1, 2019 Category: Endocrinology Source Type: research