- An order of bacteria may be able to help reduce insulin resistance, according to a new study.
- The same study identified another type of bacteria that can serve as an indicator of insulin resistance.
- A combination of analysis and animal experiments confirmed a causal relationship between such bacteria and insulin resistance, an important factor in type 2 diabetes.
The first signs of a community of microbial cells — mostly bacteria — living primarily in our upper and lower intestines microbiome were discerned over a century ago.
The term “microbiome” was coined only in 2009 by Joshua Lederberg. We remain in the early days of our understanding of this complicated microbial terrain.
Now, a new study from researchers at the RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS) in Japan reports the discovery of an order of gut bacteria that may help protect against type 2 diabetes and obesity by improving insulin resistance. The bacteria are Alistipes indistinctus.
The researchers also identified bacteria from the order
The study appears in the journal
The researchers analyzed stool samples taken at regular checkups of 306 healthy individuals from 20 to 75 years of age, with the average age being 61. Of this group, 71% were male, and none had diabetes.
The contents of their stools were cross-referenced with the individuals’ insulin-resistance levels.
It turned out that people with excessive carbohydrates — monosaccharides such as glucose, fructose, galactose, and mannose — in their fecal matter were more likely to have insulin resistance.
Looking closely at the bacterial inhabitants of the samples, the researchers found greater numbers of Lachnospiraceae bacteria in people with insulin resistance, as well as in people with the telltale monosaccharides in their…
Read the full article here