Abstract

ROLE OF MICROBES IN FUNCTIONAL FOODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF DIABETES

C. Gupta*, D. Prakash, and S. Gupta

ABSTRACT

Recent studies in animal models have shown that gut bacteria are linked to changes in the permeability of the intestine and is responsible for some clinical features associated with type 2 diabetes. Several short-term randomized controlled trials showed the benefit of prebiotics and probiotics on insulin sensitivity, inflammatory markers and glucose tolerance. French studies have highlighted the possibility of preventing diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with gut microbiota transplantation i.e. the engrafting of new microbiota that is usually done through administering faecal material from a healthy donor into the colon of a diseased recipient. At present, the intestinal microbiota is considered to constitute a "microbial organ", one that has pivotal roles in the body's metabolism as well as immune function. Therefore, transplantation aims to restore gut functionality and re-establish a certain state of intestinal flora. Future research is needed to unravel the hormonal, immunomodulatory, and metabolic mechanisms underlying microbe-microbe and microbiota-host interactions and the specific genes that determine the health benefit derived from probiotics. While awaiting further randomized trials assessing long-term safety and benefits on clinical end points, a healthy lifestyle may ensure a friendly gut microbiota and positively affect prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders.

Keywords: Diabetes; Microorganisms; Probiotics; Prebiotics; Microbe-host interaction.