Is there a difference in gut microbiome of prediabetic patients? Study sheds light

Prediabetes is defined as glycated hemoglobin levels between 5.7-6.5% and fasting blood glucose levels between 100-126 mg/dL which significantly increases the mortality risks and burden on the healthcare system.

The gut microbiome regulates lipid and glucose metabolism, but its dysbiosis leads to diseases. It's linked to increased gut permeability and systemic inflammation, contributing to metabolic syndrome and diseases like type 2 diabetes. Diet, drugs, and age alter gut microbiota. Few studies have examined gut bacteria in prediabetic patients and its impact on their health mechanisms.

The study compared gut microbial composition between prediabetic patients and healthy individuals. The impact of diet on the gut microbiome of prediabetic patients was also assessed to identify nutrition-based interventions that could potentially prevent the progression of prediabetes to diabetes. A total of 57 study participants were recruited from a Hospital in Taiwan. Gut microbiota data of 60 healthy individuals between 18 and 65 years were obtained from biobanks and used as the reference group. Participants were advised to keep a three-day food record and collect fecal samples on the third day. The nutrient composition of the participants’ diet was measured. 

The results showed that the composition, diversity, and abundance of the gut microbiota were significantly reduced in prediabetic patients compared to healthy individuals. Differential gut microbial composition and abundance were observed in prediabetic patients compared to healthy controls. This difference is also associated with altered metabolic and physiological responses.

These findings suggest that improving the gut microbiome could prevent the onset of diabetes by maintaining normal physiological metabolism.

Reference: Chang, W., Chen, Y., Tseng, H., et al. (2024). Gut Microbiota in Patients with Prediabetes. Nutrients 16(8); 1105. doi:10.3390/nu16081105