Gut microbiome can reveal risk of type 2 diabetes

New research suggests that changes in the composition of gut bacteria could serve as an early warning sign of type 2 diabetes (T2D). This finding was presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) annual meeting in Milan, Italy. An analysis of data from more than 200,000 people identified hundreds of alterations in the gut microbiome that can be detected before any changes in blood glucose levels.

These alterations could potentially identify individuals at risk of developing T2D, allowing for early intervention through lifestyle changes and treatments. Professor Tim Spector, a study author, emphasized that identifying these microbial changes before blood sugar levels worsen could lead to earlier intervention, ultimately preventing T2D.

Previous studies have established strong links between T2D and the gut microbiome, but this research provides a clearer picture by consistently identifying key bacteria across large populations. The study involved over 200,000 adults, of which 3,627 had T2D, 14,022 had prediabetes, and the rest were normoglycemic. The researchers found 789 species of bacteria associated with T2D, among which 168 were more abundant in people with the condition and 621 at lower levels.

One example is the bacterium Enterocloster bolteae, which was more abundant in people with T2D and has been linked to poorer cardiovascular and metabolic health. Another bacterium, Romboutsia timonensis, was less abundant in people with T2D. The study also found that 587 of the 789 species were associated with unmedicated prediabetes.

The researchers suggest that microbiome analysis should complement, rather than replace, standard tests used to diagnose T2D or prediabetes. Monitoring changes in the gut microbiome over time could provide valuable feedback to individuals at risk of T2D, motivating them to maintain healthy lifestyle choices.