Purpose of review: An increasing body of evidence suggests that the gut microbiome influences the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this review, we will discuss the latest findings regarding the mechanisms linking the gut microbiome and microbial metabolites with T2D and therapeutic approaches based on the gut microbiota for the prevention and treatment of T2D.
Recent findings: Alterations in the gut microbial composition are associated with the risk of T2D. The gut microbiota can metabolize dietary- and host-derived factors to produce numerous microbial metabolites, which are involved in metabolic processes modulating nutrition and energy harvest, gut barrier function, systemic inflammation, and glucose metabolism. Microbial metabolites are important mediators of microbial-host crosstalk impacting host glucose metabolism. Furthermore, microbiome-based interventions may have beneficial effects on glycemic control. Future research is required to develop personalized T2D therapy based on microbial composition and/or metabolites.
Keywords: Branched-chain amino acids; Gut microbiome; Insulin resistance; Microbial metabolites; Short-chain fatty acids; T2D.