Gut microflora: the unheeded factor in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a review

Smrithy Sivadas; Renita Lorina Castelino; Vidya Ajila; Yashika Jain

Smrithy Sivadas Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Nitte (Deemed to be University), AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences (ABSMIDS), Mangalore, India
Renita Lorina Castelino Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Nitte (Deemed to be University), AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences (ABSMIDS), Mangalore, India
Vidya Ajila Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Nitte (Deemed to be University), AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences (ABSMIDS), Mangalore, India
Yashika Jain Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Nitte (Deemed to be University), AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences (ABSMIDS), Mangalore, India

Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, insulin resistance, gut microflora

Abstract

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is rising globally. The pathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus remains unclear. Recent research indicates that the composition of the intestinal microbiota is linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes. This article provides an overview of the involvement of intestinal microbiota in the etiology of type 2 diabetes. The intestinal microbiota affects body weight, bile acid metabolism, inflammation, insulin resistance, and gut hormones. Modifying the gut microbiota using probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation may improve glucose metabolism and insulin resistance. Research to understand the intricate interactions between gut microflora and the pathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus will help develop newer, effective therapeutic modalities.