Missing Bacteria Might Affect Health in Type 2
Right now, a community of friendly bacteria living in your intestines is breaking down nutrients, making vitamins, and performing other tasks. People with type 2 diabetes have a different mix of gut bacteria than those without the disease, a Chinese study found, which may impact health. Researchers discovered a shortage of butyrate-producing bacteria in people with type 2. Butyrate is a fatty acid that may suppress inflammation and protect against intestinal diseases. People with type 2 also housed a more diverse set of microorganisms that can cause disease than those without diabetes.
Source: Nature, published online Aug. 24, 2012