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Published November 21, 2022, 6:29 PM
by Cheshire Que
Diabetes is a common household term nowadays. Individuals battling with high blood sugar and insulin resistance are almost everywhere. There are two types of diabetes mellitus. Type 1 is insulin dependent and the second one is not. Another type, however, has recently emerged. Type 3 diabetes is used to refer to Alzheimer’s disease due to the dysregulation of insulin and glucose or sugar utilization in the brain. Type 3 diabetes has yet to be officially recognized as a medical condition and diagnosis.
In diabetes management, especially for the first signs of insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, proper diet, exercise or regular physical activity, and behavior modification are recommended by health experts even before anti-diabetic drugs are prescribed. But diet and nutrition are dynamic. There are always new studies on how to improve blood sugar control and prevent complications.
Many years ago, the supplementation of probiotics has gained popularity for overall health. It was followed by prebiotics and, recently, postbiotics. What are these substances and what do they have to do with diabetes?
Probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics play a huge role in maintaining a healthy gut or digestive system. They also largely impact the immune system and prevention of chronic inflammation related to diseases, such as cancer, heart diseases, autoimmune diseases, and more. The list includes diabetes.
In a study entitled “Probiotics Contribute to Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic review and Meta-Analysis,” researchers led by Thanitsara Rittiphairoj, who published the study on Oct. 30, 2020, concluded that probiotics have a beneficial effect on fasting blood glucose among adults with type 2 diabetes. The effect was shown to be stronger in participants who had poorly controlled diabetes.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that may come as a pill, powdered, or mixed in a fermented beverage. Some may need to be refrigerated but most probiotic supplements are stable at room temperature. When administered in adequate amounts, it will confer a health benefit. But before you run to the pharmacy or heath store to get a bottle of probiotics, there are some things you need to know.
To get quality probiotics, carefully check the label on the packaging. It must contain the strains of microorganisms and the amount shown as CFU or colony forming units. For example, Lactobacillus Blend contains 25.9 billion CFU. How would you know which one to choose and how much to take? Consult with a registered nutritionist dietitian. There are different researches for different health conditions. Bear in mind that more isn’t necessarily better. Strains do matter, especially for type 2 diabetes! Recent studies have shown that the microbe Akkermansia muciniphila enhanced the gut barrier function. Thus, promoting better breaking down of food, the absorption of nutrients, protection from harmful substances, the production of vitamins, and immunity. It also increases the level of endocannabinoids while decreasing the inflammation that damages intestinal lining, cells, and organs. It also increases the production of short chain fatty acids or SCFA, which balances the gut microbiome and promotes the proliferation of good bacteria. All of these mechanisms lead to improved total glucose and Hemoglobin A1c or HbA1c. It is an inflammatory marker, as well as the indicator of how controlled the blood sugar level is in a span of two to three months.
Taking probiotics isn’t enough. We must feed the good bacteria in the gut. This is where prebiotics come into the picture. Prebiotics can be found in supplements but they are also naturally abundant in food that contains dietary fiber. Although not all fiber-rich food items are prebiotics, there are also non-fibrous food items that are considered so. Such as cocoa-derived flavanols and other phytochemicals or plant chemicals.
These are the common prebiotic sources: From oligosaccharide carbohydrates (Inulin, Galacto-oligosaccharides, Fructans and Lactulose) conveniently found in supplements and natural sources, such as whole grains like brown rice and oats and garlic, onion, artichoke, apple, banana, honey, green tea, soy, eggplant, peas, and legumes. Precaution must be done as supplementation of prebiotics in high doses can cause bloating. Instead, gradually increase the quantity.
Lastly, postbiotics are the preparation of inanimate microorganisms and their components that have health benefits like antimicrobial activities. A postbiotic must contain inactivated microbial cells or components. Contrary to the notion that probiotics that contain live organisms, it has a lesser risk for blood infection or sepsis. Too much intake of probiotics may also lead to gut microbiome imbalance and cause infection among immunocompromised individuals.
Prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics must be considered in managing diabetes under the supervision of a qualified health professional. All three in combination with a predominantly plant-based way of eating composed of various types of fruits and vegetables (Ideally 30+ a week), including the consumption of fermented food like water kefir, kombucha, non-dairy yogurt, kimchi, and the like, may improve or slow the disease progression and onset of diabetes.
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