I was first introduced to the word Microbiome a few years ago when I went to morning rounds and this was the endocrinologist’s topic. I knew little about microbiomes and at that time it didn’t rank high on my priorities to learn more on the subject. However, you can see I am having different thoughts now since this word “microbiome” is being discussed in so much of the Health and Wellness literature.
Many of these discussions are on the relationship between our gut bacteria (called Gut Microbiota) and diabetes. I hope you will find this topic interesting, whether or not you have diabetes, since it is believed that microbiota is able to influence our overall health.
The human body hosts trillions of microbes or bacteria. As we may have experienced, some of these bacteria are good and some are harmful. The term “microbiota” includes bacteria, viruses and fungi. The gut hosts the biggest population of bacteria (microbes) as well as some being found on the skin and other areas of the body
Our diet has a strong influence on what bacteria do form in our gut. Experiments in animal models have been done showing that the composition of the gut microflora is determined by our genes, medication, and diet. This starts even when we are a baby. Change can happen to the gut microflora pretty fast when we make changes in our diet. Age is thought to have some influence on our gut microbiota since often our diet changes as we grow older but also because in some age-related diseases our inflammation levels rise as well as there is a decrease in the function of our immune system. Another thought has been that your geographical location may have an effect on gut microbiota since often where we live determines our dietary lifestyle.
The carbohydrates we eat is the main source of energy for the gut microflora. We know that Type 2 diabetes has an association with the total amount of dietary fiber intake. This dietary fiber has been shown to have an impact on microbial diversity in our gut. Fiber intake increases the amount of microbes which in turn results in an increase of short-chain fatty acids. These short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate, are important in maintaining normal glucose stability (homeostasis) and metabolism.
Some studies have determined that T2D patients have fewer butyrate-producing bacteria with an end result of insulin resistance. Research is concentrating on which bacteria can help overcome insulin resistance and what we can do to increase these type of bacteria in our body.
Some of our currently used medications for T2D have shown to alter the intestinal microflora, but further evidence is needed on this topic.
Dietary fiber can help to regulate blood glucose levels by increasing the thickness or stickiness of stomach juices, which leads to gastric (stomach) emptying times which are longer. The small intestine, in returns, slows its’ motility and this allows more time for the starch/carbohydrates to be digested, which results in a reduced rate for glucose (sugar) absorption, leading to changes in blood glucose and even cholesterol concentrations. Increasing the amount of dietary fiber not only appears to reduce the risk of T2D but also helps in maintaining a healthy weight.
If we can increase our intake of foods rich in fiber, then we will have the increase in short-chain fatty acids which appear to be involved in some of the mechanisms associated with diabetes, which establishes the link between microbiota and diabetes.
Much of the evidence that suggests there is definitely a link between diabetes and microbiome diversity has been done in animals but translating this to humans is felt to be possible. Human studies are definitely needed before conclusions can be determined.
For type 1 diabetes (T1D), the relationship between diabetes and changes in our microbiome remains elusive. Some suggested factors include:
· The microorganisms have less diversity in T1D patients.
· T1D patients have fewer beneficial bacteria in their microbiota
· Inflammation in the cells of the pancreas contributes to T1D. Severe changes in the gut microbiome could lead to increased risk of inflammation in T1D. This inflammation damages cell’s in your body and the immune system releases chemicals that improves/increase blood flow to support that area.
Tips to support your microbiome health include such things as:
Increasing the fibre in your diet
Reducing the amount of sugar and artificial sweeteners you eat
Not taking antibiotics unless absolutely necessary as they can destroy gut bacteria
Increasing the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables
Reducing the amount of stress in your life
Getting good quality sleep
Not smoking
Increasing physical activity as you are able
Interest in the microbiome and how it affects our body is exploding. I hope I provided some knowledge and keyed your interest. I am sure you will see more research and discussions in the years ahead.
For more information on this topic, you might want to check out the following links:
#microbiome&diabetes #gutbacteria #microbiome
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Microbiome body picture permission to use granted by Vasu Appanna, PHD, professor from his article in The Conversation Newsletter.
The blog does not replace advice from your health care professionals. It is for your information purpose only. References:
Li WZ, Stirling K, Yang JJ ,Zhang L. Gut microbiota and diabetes: From correlation to causality and mechanism. World Journal of Diabetes 2020; 11(7); 293-308
Zheng P, Li Z, Zhou Z. Gut microbiome in type 1 diabetes: A comprehensive review. Diabetes Metab Res Rev 2018;34e3043
Intestinal Microbiome
Late note: Today before sending out my blog I was looking at a store flyer and sure enough they were advertising a new product with the quotation: "gently cleanses and helps preserve skin's microbiome". I will let you decide how you will interpret this advertisement.