Anti-diabetic treatment leads to changes in gut microbiome

Numerous micro-organisms naturally reside in the human body assuming a symbiotic, or, at times, even a dysbiotic relationship with the host. These microbial populations are referred to as the human microbiota. Host microbial populations are an important mediator of gastro-intestinal mucosal permeability, bile acid metabolism, short-chain fatty acids synthesis, fermentation of dietary polysaccharides and FXR/TGR5 signaling. Variations in the composition and function of gut microbiota have been observed in type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance and obesity, as well as in inflammatory bowel diseases. The microbial imbalance induced by such pathological processes is described as dysbiosis. In this review, we describe the pathophysiological links between type 2 diabetes mellitus and gut microbiota, explore the effect of anti-diabetic drugs on gut microbiota and suggest possible therapeutic targets.