How gut bacteria could help balance blood sugar and even prevent diabetes

Nepean Hospital’s Clinical Director for Women and Children’s Health, Professor Ralph Nanan

Working in partnership with the University of Sydney, researchers examined how tiny particles called MEVs (microbiota-derived extracellular vesicles) communicate messages between the gut and liver.

Nepean Hospital’s Clinical Director for Women and Children’s Health, Professor Ralph Nanan, one of the study’s lead authors, says the research discovered how gut-derived particles can tell the liver to start making sugar, even if the body already has enough.

“This is really important because too much sugar in the blood, especially over time, can lead to type 2 diabetes and other health problems,” explains Ralph.

The researchers noticed that the amount of MEVs being produced in mice increased after fasting or changes in diet. These MEVs then caused the liver to increase sugar production by switching on certain genes.

Professor Nanan says that while these particles are part of the body’s natural system for keeping blood sugar stable, especially when people haven’t eaten in a while, too many MEVs could tip the balance.

“If someone’s gut bacteria is out of balance, say from a poor diet or antibiotics, they might start making too many of these particles. That could lead to the liver making too much sugar, which over time could raise blood sugar levels and cause problems.”

Since MEV production depends on what we eat and the health of our gut, this means we might one day be able to manage blood sugar by changing our diet or improving gut health without needing medication.

“This could give us a whole new way to prevent or manage conditions like type 2 diabetes. It’s about listening to the signals coming from the gut and learning how to tune them,” says Ralph.

The study also suggests that MEVs could be used in the future as early warning signs for conditions like gestational diabetes or fatty liver disease before symptoms even begin.

While more research in humans is needed, the findings offer a fresh take on how the gut and liver work together to regulate sugar in the body, and how tiny microbes could hold a big key to better health.

“This is just the beginning. The more we learn about these gut messages, the more we can explore new ways to stay healthy using diet and lifestyle, starting in the gut.”

Full findings from the study are available to view online in journal, PubMed Central.