Type 2 Diabetes - Could Probiotics Help Treat or Reverse Diabetes?

Type 2 Diabetes - Could Probiotics Help Treat or Reverse Diabetes?

Helpful bacteria live in the human gut and scientists are beginning to study their possible use to control type 2 diabetes. These bacteria are known as probiotics and are given as a supplement for a variety of illnesses.

In May 2017 theJournal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolismreported a study in which the results of eighteen previous studies were summarized and analyzed as one large paper. A total of 1056 participants were included...

• Take 527 probiotics and

• 529 without probiotics.

The study participants who took probiotics showed...

• blood sugar levels,

• insulin and

• HbA1c levels.

Based on these results, researchers concluded that probiotics could be useful for lowering blood sugar levels, insulin levels and HbA1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

The following month theJournal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disordersreported a study completed at Yazd University Hospital and several other research institutions in Iran. 70 people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were divided into a treatment group and a placebo group...

1. The treatment groupconsumes 500 mg per day of supplements with...

• “good” bacteria,

• two types of sugar and

• B vitamins.

The bacteria were members of the Lactobacillus family, the Bifidobacterium family and Streptococcus thermophilus.

2. The placebo grouptook capsules with starch and B vitamins. After nine weeks, the placebo group had more albumin in their urine and higher HbA1c levels than the supplemented group. Albumin in the urine is a sign of kidney disease. From this information, it was concluded that 500 mg of probiotic supplementation per day for nine weeks could improve blood sugar control and kidney health.

TheLactobacillusFamilyof bacteria gets its name from the fact that it can break down lactose, a sugar found in milk. Lactobacillus acidophilus produces vitamin K. Some patients use it to treat their...

• lactose intolerance,

• Diarrhea,

• vaginal infections,

• irritable bowel syndrome,

• brain problems,

• asthma and

• high cholesterol,

although the evidence for its effectiveness is patchy.

TheBifidobacteriumFamilyis considered by many to be helpful for…

• irritable bowel syndrome,

• Ulcerative colitis and

• ileal pouch (expulsion of the small intestine).

It is also used to promote vaginal health.

StreptococcusThermophilusis used to strengthen the human immune system and support intestinal health. It is thought to possibly prevent colon cancer. It is sometimes used along with chemotherapy to protect the digestive system from treatment. It is also used to replace good bacteria that are killed by antibiotics.

Inspired by Beverleigh H Piepers