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Updated: Nov 1, 2025

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
Diabetes and the Gut Microbiome
Wei Ling Lau1, Tiffany Tran1, Connie M Rhee2
1Division of Nephrology, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, CA.
Abstract:
Gut dysbiosis in diabetes mellitus is associated with decreased short-chain fatty acids and epithelial barrier disruption. Microbial-derived toxins move across the "leaky gut" and incur systemic inflammation and insulin resistance. In children, gut dysbiosis has been associated with risk of developing type 1 diabetes mellitus. In animal models, the obesity phenotype is transferable via microbiota transplantation. Plant-based low protein diets and certain anti-diabetic drugs have been associated with positive microbiome effects. Clinical trials with prebiotics and probiotics have yielded mixed results. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the gut microbiome as a potential therapeutic target for diabetes prevention and management.
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