Important Points:

• Gut bacteria
• Microbiota
• Type 2 Diabetes

Is Diabetes linked to bacteria invading your colon?

The gut has been called by many scientists as the second brain. Our brain regulates the intricate functions of our body autonomously while we go about our business. The same goes for our gastrointestinal system. Our GI is not just an organ system dedicated to digestion and excretion; it is a highly specialized network of neurons lining our guts and a complicated collection of microscopic organisms that play a vital role in our mental state, emotions, and metabolism.

In a recent study conducted by the Georgia State University, the role of the gut was shown to have major significance in predisposing a person to type 2 diabetes. In the study, researchers from the Institute of Biomedical Sciences have discovered that when gut microbiota stays within the outer regions of the mucus lining, it has no significant negative effect on the person but when the gut microbiota encroaches upon the cells well beyond its designated area, it has been found to cause inflammation which can interfere with the normal functioning of the hormone insulin and thus leading to type 2 diabetes.

As of the moment, researchers are still conducting follow-up studies to isolate the specific bacteria that invade the lining and cause the inflammation that triggers the metabolic cascade into diabetes. Researchers are optimistic that when the bacteria are identified, it would pave the way in developing new treatments for type 2 diabetes.

Think Twice: How the Gut’s “Second Brain” Influences Mood and Well-Being

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/gut-second-brain/

Diabetes Linked To Bacteria Invading The Colon, Institute For Biomedical Sciences Study Finds