Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 30, 2025

Extraction and Analysis of Taiwanese Green Propolis
Published on: January 7, 2019
Effects of probiotics on type II diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis
Yun-Wen Tao1, Ying-Luo Gu1, Xin-Qi Mao1
1Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Medical College, Soochow University, 199 Ren-ai Rd., Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
Objective:
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of probiotics on type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Methods:
We performed a comprehensive search on PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Scientific Journal Databases, Wan Fang database and China biology medicine disc for relevant studies published before June 2019. Glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were used as indicators for T2DM. Inverse-variance weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for the mean HbA1c, FBG and HOMA-IR changes from baseline.
Results:
15 randomized controlled trials (RCT) with a total of 902 participants were included into the meta-analysis. Considering the clinical heterogeneity caused by variation of dosage and duration of probiotic treatment, random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled WMD. Significantly greater reduction in HbA1c% (WMD = - 0.24, 95% CI [- 0.44, - 0.04], p = 0.02), FBG (WMD = - 0.44 mmol/L, 95% CI [- 0.74, - 0.15], p = 0.003) and HOMA-IR (WMD = - 1.07, 95% CI [- 1.58, - 0.56], p < 0.00001) were observed in probiotics treated group. Further sensitivity analysis verified the reliability and stability of our results.
Conclusion:
The results of our meta-analysis indicated that probiotics treatment may reduce HbA1c, FBG and insulin resistance level in T2DM patients. More clinical data and research into the mechanism of probiotics are needed to clarify the role of probiotics in T2DM.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...

