Association of Intestinal Microbiota with Metabolic Markers and Dietary Habits in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Background/Aims: Evidence suggests that intestinal microbiota, along with factors such as diet and host genetics, contributes to obesity, metabolic dysfunction and diabetes. Therefore, we examined the relationship between gut microbiota, blood metabolic markers, dietary habits and fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Dietary habits, blood and fecal samples from 59 T2DM patients were recruited, and the association of intestinal microbiota with metabolic markers and dietary habits was analyzed. Results: Total energy intake was 1,692 ± 380 kcal/day. Carbohydrate, fat and protein intakes were 57.5 ± 5.2, 23.2 ± 5.3 and 13.2 ± 2.2%, respectively. Dietary habits - high carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake - were associated with increased counts of Clostridium clusters IV and XI and decreased counts of Bifidobacterium spp., order Lactobacillales and Clostridium cluster IV. Protein intake was negatively correlated with fecal acetate and total SCFAs. Total SCFAs, propionate and acetate were negatively correlated with blood insulin levels and the homeostasis model of insulin resistance. Conclusion: Diets low in protein and carbohydrates favor a healthy gut microbiome and improve glucose tolerance in T2DM patients, although further elucidation of the role of the gut microbiome could lead to better therapies and prophylaxes.