tenda Health

Do you want to know how to protect yourself from obesity and type-2 diabetes? If so, you might want to pay attention to your gut bacteria.

According to a new study published in Nature, some types of gut bacteria can help improve insulin resistance, which is a major risk factor for these diseases. Insulin resistance means that your body does not respond well to insulin, a hormone that regulates your blood sugar levels.

When this happens, your blood sugar stays high and your pancreas produces more insulin, which can lead to weight gain and diabetes.

The researchers analyzed the fecal samples of over 300 adults and found that those with higher insulin resistance had more carbohydrates in their feces, especially simple sugars like glucose and fructose.

They also found that their gut microbiota (the collection of bacteria in the gut) was dominated by a group of bacteria called Lachnospiraceae, which are known to ferment carbohydrates and produce short-chain fatty acids.

On the other hand, those with lower insulin resistance had more bacteria from the order Bacteroidales, which are able to consume simple sugars and prevent them from reaching the colon.

One species of Bacteroidales, Alistipes indistinctus, was particularly effective at lowering blood sugar and insulin resistance in obese mice.

The researchers suggest that these findings could be used for diagnosis and treatment of pre-diabetes, a condition where blood sugar is elevated but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.

They propose that the presence of Lachnospiraceae bacteria in the gut could be a good biomarker for pre-diabetes, and that treatment with probiotics containing A. indistinctus could improve glucose intolerance.

However, they also caution that more studies are needed to confirm these results in humans and to identify the optimal dose and duration of probiotic therapy.

They also warn that not all probiotics are created equal, and that some may have adverse effects on health.

So, what can you do to improve your gut health and prevent insulin resistance? Here are some tips:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
• Avoid or limit processed foods, added sugars, refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and trans fats.
• Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
• Manage your stress levels and get enough sleep.
• Consult your doctor before taking any supplements or medications.

FAQs section relate to gut bacteria and diabetes

• What bacteria is associated with insulin resistance?
  • Insulin resistance is a condition where your body does not respond well to insulin, a hormone that regulates your blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance can lead to obesity, pre-diabetes, and type-2 diabetes.
  • According to a recent study, a group of bacteria called Lachnospiraceae are associated with higher insulin resistance in humans. These bacteria ferment carbohydrates and produce short-chain fatty acids in the gut, which may interfere with insulin signaling and glucose metabolism.
• Can type 2 diabetes be caused by gut bacteria?
  • Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease where your body either does not produce enough insulin or does not use it properly. This causes high blood sugar levels, which can damage your organs and nerves. Type 2 diabetes can be caused by many factors, such as genetics, lifestyle, diet, and environmental factors.
  • However, some evidence suggests that gut bacteria may also play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes. Some gut bacteria may influence your immune system, inflammation, and metabolism, which can affect your insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. For example, some studies have shown that people with type 2 diabetes have lower diversity and different composition of gut bacteria than healthy people.
• How might the bacterial microbiota affect type 2 diabetes?
  • The bacterial microbiota is the collection of bacteria that live in your gut. They help you digest food, produce vitamins, fight infections, and regulate inflammation. They can also affect your blood sugar levels and your risk of type 2 diabetes in several ways. For instance, they can:
    • Modulate your appetite and energy intake by producing hormones and neurotransmitters that affect your hunger and satiety signals.
    • Alter your energy expenditure and fat storage by affecting your bile acid metabolism and fatty acid oxidation.
    • Influence your insulin secretion and action by producing short-chain fatty acids and other metabolites that interact with your cells and hormones.
    • Affect your inflammation and oxidative stress by producing or consuming antioxidants and pro-inflammatory substances that can damage your tissues and organs.
• What is the mechanism of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes?
  • Insulin resistance is the main feature of type 2 diabetes. It means that your cells do not respond well to insulin, a hormone that helps glucose enter your cells to be used for energy. When this happens, glucose builds up in your blood, causing high blood sugar levels. The exact mechanism of insulin resistance is not fully understood, but it involves multiple factors. Some of them are:
    • Genetic mutations or variations that affect the structure or function of insulin or its receptors.
    • Obesity or excess fat accumulation, especially in the abdomen, that causes chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalance.
    • Physical inactivity or sedentary lifestyle that reduces muscle mass and glucose uptake.
    • Dietary factors or nutrient deficiencies that impair insulin signaling or increase oxidative stress.
    • Environmental toxins or pollutants that disrupt endocrine function or induce cellular damage.

Remember, your gut bacteria can have a huge impact on your health and well-being. By taking care of them, you can also take care of yourself. 😊