Oxidative stress plays a vital role in the development and progression of diabetes. In addition, in patients with type 2 diabetes, the composition of intestinal microorganisms is changed. Probiotic foods are the most effective in suppressing oxidative stress and improving intestinal microorganisms’ balance among foods with antioxidant effects. In addition, taking probiotics helps prevent cardiovascular diseases by normalizing body mass index and blood pressure.
In a 2016 meta-analysis, Australian scientists investigated how probiotic supplementation affects the reduction of glucose and other glycemic components in diabetes and conditions associated with the risk of developing diabetes.
The glycemic components assessed in the meta-analysis were glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR).
The meta-analysis included 11 randomized, placebo-controlled trials. The total study participants were 614 people with diabetes, obesity, overweight and metabolic syndrome.
How Probiotics Affect Fasting Glucose Levels
Probiotics reduced fasting glucose levels by 0.50 mmol/L on average in all participants. At the same time, glucose levels decreased most significantly only in patients with diabetes – by 1.46 mmol/l. In contrast, in patients with other diseases, the glucose level decreased by 0.20 mmol/l.
Based on the data in the meta-analysis, the researchers concluded that taking probiotics for diabetes lowered glucose levels by 1.28 times. Probiotics in capsules and several strains of lactic acid bacteria had the most significant effect. The effect differed by more than 2.5 times. Taking probiotics in the form of dairy products or eating only one strain of lactic acid bacteria did not significantly decrease glucose levels.
Glycated hemoglobin, insulin and insulin resistance index were also most affected by probiotics in capsules with several strains of lactic acid bacteria.
How Probiotics Affect Glycated Hemoglobin
Probiotics reduced HbA1c levels by 0.48% on average in all participants. Probiotics had a significant impact on diabetic patients. Their glycated hemoglobin decreased by 0.52%. However, in other health conditions, probiotics did not significantly affect HbA1c levels.
Probiotics and Insulin
In the general group, probiotics did not have a statistically significant effect on fasting insulin, decreasing by an average of 0.48 μIU ml. However, the results varied considerably between participants.
In contrast, in the diabetic group, probiotics significantly reduced insulin levels by 0.40 μIU/mL. In other health conditions, insulin levels decreased by 1.11 µIU/mL.
Impact on Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)
In diabetic patients, probiotics reduced the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) by 1.54 units. However, in other health conditions, probiotics did not affect HOMA-IR.
Conclusion
In patients with diabetes, probiotics significantly reduce glycemic components such as glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, and the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). This effect can be explained by the fact that probiotics improve the balance of intestinal microorganisms, which is disturbed in diabetic patients.
Taking probiotics may delay the progression of diabetes. In a study by Indian scientists, probiotics protected pancreatic beta cells and prevented insulin depletion.
Probiotics in the form of capsules with several strains of lactic acid bacteria had the most excellent effect on glycemic components. A possible reason is that multiple strains of lactic acid bacteria stimulate the production of short-chain fatty acids in the intestine, which leads to a decrease in exogenous cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and glucose. The effect also depends on the form of intake of probiotics. Probiotics in the form of capsules are better absorbed and therefore have a more potent biological activity.
Probiotic supplements improve glucose metabolism and can be used as an adjunct to diabetes medications and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
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