Altered Gut Microbiome

Our gut microbiota is altered whenever there is a change in our diet, lifestyle, or health. There is a new study published by researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden and Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, that states that the microbes in the gut are different in people that are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It is known that the human body contains more microbial cells than human cells. The majority of microbes reside in our gut and some are very beneficial to our health while others are pathogenic and cause harm. There needs to be a balance in our bodies between good and bad microbes because if the bad microbes start to outnumber the good then we start to get sick.

            This new study consisting of 145 women that have type 2 diabetes proved that their gut microbiome is altered. Scientists are able to tell because they analyzed their metagenomes, the collection of genes from microbes and our own genes. In healthy women there seems to be higher number of a certain gut bacteria that produces a fatty acid called butyrate. Butyrate is known to contribute to certain health benefits. With these results scientists can now analyze a gut microbiome and tell if it is altered and if the host has type 2 diabetes. They use the metagenome to analyze the microbes in the gut.

            If possible this study could eventually lead to pre-diagnoses of the type 2 diabetes which is amazing! With further research we might even be able to alter the gut flora and add more beneficial bacteria that produce butyrate. Hopefully we will be able to prevent these awful diseases and keep our microbiomes healthy and happy.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/06/130603092328.htm