Bacteria and Diabetes

Researchers at the University of Iowa released the findings of a study they conducted looking at Type 2 diabetes and bacteria, and published in mBio. Our bodies are covered and filled with bacteria and viruses, also known as our micro- biome. All the species live with us in a particular balance. If we lose this balance, trouble ensues. We normally have a certain amount of Staphylococcus aureus (also known as staph) as part of our micro- biome. If the staph population grows, as it does with weight gain, the toxin that staph produces, staph super-antigen, may lead to Type 2 diabetes. The researchers found this to be the case in rabbits. Apparently the super antigens interact with fat cells and the immune system, thus causing chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation leads to insulin resistance and other symptoms typical of Type 2 diabetes. The good news is that the micro-biome does change with a change in diet and weight.