Role of the Gut Microbiome in the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Mini Review

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus type 2 is a chronic metabolic condition characterized by insulin resistance along with inadequate circulating insulin in the blood. It has been observed that the changes in the complex habitat composed of trillions of bacteria can cause metabolic disturbances. Previous studies have explained the phenomenon of dysbiosis which leads to the development and progression of diabetes mellitus type 2. It has been reported that there are altered gut microbiota levels present in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Main Body: Gut microbiota and its metabolites are involved in the pathogenesis of multiple metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus therefore, intestinal microbiota may be one of the crucial medicinal targets for the disease. Studies have shown that diabetes can be managed effectively by altering the human gut microbiome. This review presents three therapeutic options which can be used to alter the gut microbiome. The therapeutic options are; fecal microbial transplant, use of probiotics and cinnamon. These interventions have proven to increase richness and diversity of gut microbiota. A vast number of studies support the beneficial effects of probiotics in treating type 2 diabetes due to its oxidative stress inhibiting properties. Cinnamon has shown similar benefits owing to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative nature. An adequate number of animal studies and few human studies have reported improvement in insulin sensitivity in fecal microbial transplant recipients. Conclusion: Consumption of probiotics and cinnamon have shown potential benefits in the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Fecal microbiota transplant has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity along with other impaired characteristics for example HbA1c found in diabetics. It can be suggested that microbiota-based interventions can be used for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Further studies are necessary to explore the mechanisms by which these treatment options provide potential beneficial effects in T2DM patients. Keywords: Gut microbiome, Gut microbiota, Gut flora, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Fecal microbial transplant, Probiotics.