The Gut Microbiome in Diabetes 

The American Diabetes Association 78th Annual Session in Orlando, Florida this past June featured several abstracts and presentations highlighting the important role our gut flora (microbiome) plays in glucose metabolism. Diabetes mellitus reflects derangement in the glucose profile and the bacteria in our gut have a central role to play in this process. Coming to terms with our flora through our diet and with medications serves to improve blood glucose control and may even 'cure' diabetes. 

Dr. Xiaoyu Liao and his associates in Chongqing, China published an abstract featured in the Scientific Sessions, which demonstrated that a very popular class of antidiabetic drugs known as DPP-4i produces changes in gut bacteria in mice that serve to lower blood glucose. This mechanism of action was not known for this class of drugs and was not shared by another class of antidiabetic medication known as 'starch blockers' (disaccharidase inhibitors), which were tested in the same experiments for comparison. 

We  are coming to respect our fellow travellers more and more as their role in diabetes management is gradually revealed. 

 

Alteration of Gut Microbiota Induced by DPP-4i Treatment Improves Glucose Homeostasis

Poster 1119-P