Characteristics of the Gut Microbiota and Potential Effects of Probiotic Supplements in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) worldwide has become a burden to healthcare systems. In 2019, around 463 million adults were living with diabetes mellitus, and T2DM accounted for 90 to 95% of cases. The relationship between the gut microbiota and T2DM has been explored with the advent of metagenomic techniques. Genome-wide association studies evaluating the microbiota of these individuals have pointed to taxonomic, functional, and microbial metabolite imbalances and represent a potential intervention in T2DM management. Several microbial metabolites and components, such as imidazole propionate, trimethylamine, and lipopolysaccharides, appear to impair insulin signaling, while short-chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids, and tryptophan metabolites may improve it. In addition, the use of probiotics with the aim of transiently restoring the microbial balance or reducing the effects of microbial metabolites that impair insulin sensitivity has been explored. Herein, we critically review the available literature on the changes in the gut microbiota in T2DM together with potential adjuvant therapies that may improve the health status of this population.