New research reveals that increasing gut microbe levels Bacteroides vulgatus in diabetic rats it helps regulate blood sugar levels and cravings for sugary foods.
Scientists may have discovered a natural way to regulate sugar levels in the blood and reduce sugar cravings, potentially offering an alternative to medications like Ozempic.
The discovery, reported in a published in Nature Microbiology, revolves around a gut microbe and its metabolites, which could stimulate the body’s natural production of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone essential for blood sugar regulation and appetite control.
Researchers at Jiangnan University in China found that increased levels of a specific gut microbe, the Bacteroides vulgatusin diabetic rats led to a significant improvement in blood sugar control and a reduction in sugar cravings, explains the .
Their experiments showed that B. vulgatus and its metabolites trigger the secretion of GLP-1which is typically impaired in individuals with type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 agonist medications, such as semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic), mimic this natural process but have limitations and costs, which has led researchers to explore alternative approaches .
Researchers also identified a connection between B. vulgatus, a intestinal protein called Ffar4 and a hormone known as FGF21. FGF21 is known to influence sugar cravings, and the team found that when mice lacked Ffar4, their B. vulgatus populations decreased, reducing FGF21 secretion. This resulted in greater sugar cravings and worse blood sugar control.
Interestingly, the study also linked genetic variations in FGF21 production to dietary habits in humans. Blood analyzes of 84 participants (60 with type 2 diabetes and 24 healthy controls) revealed that mutations affecting Ffar4 and FGF21 were associated with a greater preference for sugary foods.
Treatment of diabetic mice with a metabolite derived from B. vulgatus increased GLP-1 secretion and subsequently increased FGF21 levels. This combination improved blood sugar regulation and reduced sugar cravings, offering a promising new strategy for diabetes management.
Although these discoveries are currently limited to animal modelsresearchers are optimistic about its implications for humans, although more research is needed to confirm its applicability to human populations.
