Interactions between Gut Microbiota and Oral Antihyperglycemic Drugs: A Systematic Review

Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Mar 21;25(6):3540. doi: 10.3390/ijms25063540.

Abstract

The intestinal microbiota refers to the collection of microorganisms that exist in the human gut. It has been said that bacteria influence the development of metabolic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, as they have roles in immunomodulation, protection against pathogens, blood vessel growth, repairing the intestinal wall, and the development of the neurological system. In this review, we look at the latest research regarding interactions between gut microbiota and oral antihyperglycemic drugs and we present data suggesting that the microbiome may help counteract the reduced glucose tolerance and insulin resistance associated with metabolic disorders. We found that antidiabetic drugs can have significant impacts on gut microbiota composition and function, potentially influencing both the efficacy and side effects of these medications. Additionally, we discovered that microbial-based therapeutics, including probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics, and fecal microbiota can be considered when discussing preventive measures and personalized treatment options for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Understanding how antidiabetic drugs modulate gut microbiota composition and function is essential for optimizing their therapeutic efficacy and minimizing potential adverse effects. The relationship between the gut microbiota and glycemic agents, not fully understood, is currently the subject of increasing research and discussion. It has been proven that the microbiome can impact the effectiveness of the medications, but further research in this field may uncover novel therapeutic strategies for diabetes and other metabolic disorders by targeting the gut microbiota.

Keywords: diabetes mellitus; gut microbiota; oral antihyperglycemic drugs.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / metabolism
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / pharmacology
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Intestines / microbiology
  • Prebiotics
  • Probiotics* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Prebiotics

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.