Hormonal
Gut microbiota composition and metabolite production (specifically short-chain fatty acids and lipopolysaccharides) trigger chronic low-grade metabolic inflammation (metainflammation), which directly causes insulin resistance and contributes to the development of Type 2 Diabetes.
Focus on dietary patterns that support a diverse gut microbiome, such as high-fiber foods, to potentially reduce systemic inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. While not a standalone cure, managing gut health is a critical lever in preventing or managing Type 2 Diabetes alongside traditional lifestyle changes.
Here, we review the current evidence that intestinal microbiota, and the metabolites they produce, could drive the development of insulin resistance in obesity and T2D, possibly by initiating an inflammatory response.
Why this rating
The paper is a review citing numerous animal studies and human observational/correlational data, with some mechanistic proof in models, but notes human causal evidence is still evolving.
Source
Gut Microbiota as a Trigger for Metabolic Inflammation in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
Torsten P. M. Scheithauer et al. · Frontiers in Immunology · 2020
DOI 10.3389/fimmu.2020.571731
More from this paper
- Bacterial translocation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from the gut to the bloodstream (metabolic endotoxemia) due to increased intestinal permeability ('leaky gut') triggers systemic inflammation and insulin resistance.Good
- Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly butyrate, produced by gut microbiota fermentation of fiber, have anti-inflammatory properties and improve insulin sensitivity, although their net effect in obesity is complex and context-dependent.Moderate
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This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →