Microbiota and Glucidic Metabolism: A Link with Multiple Aspects and Perspectives

Abstract

The global prevalence of overweight and obesity has dramatically increased in the last few decades, with a significant socioeconomic burden. In this narrative review, we include clinical studies aiming to provide the necessary knowledge on the role of the gut microbiota in the development of diabetic pathology and glucose-metabolism-related disorders. In particular, the role of a certain microbial composition of the fermentative type seems to emerge without a specific link to the development in certain subjects of obesity and the chronic inflammation of the adipose tissues, which underlies the pathological development of all the diseases related to glucose metabolism and metabolic syndrome. The gut microbiota plays an important role in glucose tolerance. Conclusion. New knowledge and new information is presented on the development of individualized therapies for patients affected by all the conditions related to reduced glucose tolerance and insulin resistance.

Gender Differences in Insulin Resistance: New Knowledge and Perspectives

“…We have also seen how there is an interchange between vitamin D and estrogen; on the one hand, vitamin D increases the bioavailability of estrogens and, on the other, the latter is able to increase the efficiency of absorption, transport systems, and affinity with its receptor [72]. The important role of the composition of the intestinal microbiota has also been established both in promoting the production of intestinal estrogens with a systemic function and, with them, greater absorption of vitamin D [73]. The effect of estrogen deficiency in menopausal women is associated with an increased risk of T2DM and manifests itself through three different mechanisms including impaired insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells, reduced sensitivity to insulin by the target organs and tissues, and increased sensitivity to glucose by the main organs involved in diabetes-related pathology [74,75].…”