So far, the largest, ethnically and geographically comprehensive survey of intestinal microbiome in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), pre diabetes and healthy blood glucose status has been conducted, and it is found that specific viruses and genetic variations in bacteria correspond to changes in intestinal microbiome function and T2D risk.

T2D affects approximately 537 million people worldwide. In T2D, the body gradually loses its ability to effectively regulate blood sugar. Over the past decade, research has linked changes in the gut microbiome (a collection of bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the gut) to the development of T2D. However, previous studies on the gut microbiome and its role in T2D were too small and varied greatly in research design, making it difficult to draw important conclusions.

In order to understand the role of these microorganisms in the intestine, the research team analyzed the functional capabilities of the species. Different strains of microorganisms can have different functions, such as the ability to produce specific amino acids. The research team found that the function of certain strains may be associated with different T2D disease risks.

One of the main functional differences they found is that in the intestinal microbiota of diabetes patients, the more common strain is Lovolvobacterium faecalis, which is a common microorganism in the intestinal tract and can produce a large number of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). Previous studies have shown that individuals with chronic high blood BCAA levels are at a higher risk of obesity and T2D.

Researchers also found evidence that bacteriophages - viruses that infect bacteria - may be driving factors for some of the changes they detect in certain gut bacterial strains.

In another analysis, the team studied a small sample of newly diagnosed T2D patients to evaluate microbial communities that are less likely to be affected by drug use or long-term high glucose status.

A major limitation of this study is that it largely observed the microbial community of patients at a certain point in time. It did not observe changes in gut microbiota or disease status over time. Future research based on this work includes long-term investigation of this association and examination of strain specific functions to better understand how they lead to T2D.

This article only provides an introduction to the progress of medical research,

Cannot be used as a reference for treatment plans.

Reference source:

DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-03067-7