Gut Microbiome Activity May Affect Glycemic Response

Foods that cause a high glycemic response raise blood sugar quickly and may lead to health issues such as insulin resistance and diabetes if eaten too frequently. A new study has found that gut microbiome activity may play a role in the glycemic response to food.

Participants in the study included 550 adults. They were given meals for 14 days. The researchers measured blood glucose levels every 15 minutes during the study period and used the measurements to evaluate glucose responses following a meal. Gut microbiome activity was assessed throughout the study period.

The gut microbiome functions best when there is a balance of good and bad bacteria. The researchers found that when the gut microbiome balance is low, glycemic response is higher. They also found that glycemic response is higher when there is less diversity of gut microbiota.

The study was conducted by researchers from Viome Research Institute. It was published online ahead of print on November 19, 2021 in the journal Diabetes Therapy.