Researchers discovered that a specific type of bacteria called Akkermansia muciniphila, when specially treated, might help prevent gestational diabetes—a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. In studies with mice, this bacteria reduced inflammation in the placenta (the organ that feeds a baby during pregnancy) and improved how the body handles blood sugar. The bacteria works by changing how immune cells behave in the placenta. While these results are promising, this research was done in mice, so scientists need to test it in pregnant women before recommending it as a treatment.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a heat-treated bacteria called Akkermansia muciniphila could help prevent or treat gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) and reduce inflammation in the placenta
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice that were given a high-fat diet and a chemical to create pregnancy diabetes similar to what happens in some pregnant women
  • Key finding: Mice that received the treated bacteria showed better blood sugar control and less inflammation in their placentas compared to mice that didn’t receive it
  • What it means for you: This suggests a potential new way to help pregnant women with diabetes, but much more research in humans is needed before this becomes a medical treatment

The Research Details

Scientists created a mouse model of gestational diabetes by feeding mice a high-fat diet and giving them a chemical that damages the pancreas (the organ that makes insulin). They then gave some mice a specially treated form of Akkermansia muciniphila bacteria—specifically, they used a heat-killed version so it wouldn’t grow in the body but would still have beneficial effects. The researchers compared the mice that received the bacteria to those that didn’t, measuring blood sugar levels, insulin function, and inflammation markers in the placenta. They also studied which specific protein from the bacteria was responsible for the benefits.

This research approach is important because it helps identify exactly which bacteria and which parts of bacteria might help with pregnancy diabetes. By using heat-treated bacteria instead of live bacteria, the researchers could test whether the bacteria’s benefits come from its structure rather than from it growing in the body. This makes it potentially safer for pregnant women to use.

This study was conducted in laboratory mice, which is an important first step in medical research but doesn’t guarantee the same results will happen in humans. The researchers used specific scientific methods to measure inflammation and blood sugar control. However, because this is animal research, readers should understand that human bodies are more complex and may respond differently. The study provides good preliminary evidence that warrants further human testing.

What the Results Show

Mice that received the treated Akkermansia muciniphila bacteria showed significant improvements in how their bodies handled blood sugar and insulin compared to mice that didn’t receive the bacteria. The bacteria appeared to work by reducing inflammation in the placenta—the organ that connects the baby to the mother during pregnancy. Specifically, the bacteria changed how immune cells called macrophages behaved in the placenta, shifting them from a pro-inflammatory state (causing inflammation) to an anti-inflammatory state (reducing inflammation). This shift in immune cell behavior appears to be the main mechanism by which the bacteria helped improve blood sugar control.

The researchers identified a specific protein from the bacteria called Amuc_1100 that appears to be responsible for many of the beneficial effects. This protein is heat-stable, meaning it survives the treatment process and can still work in the body. When tested separately, this protein alone showed anti-diabetic properties similar to the whole bacteria, suggesting it could potentially be used as a targeted treatment.

Previous research has shown that women with gestational diabetes have lower levels of Akkermansia muciniphila in their gut bacteria compared to pregnant women without diabetes. This study builds on that observation by demonstrating a potential mechanism—that adding this bacteria back could help restore normal blood sugar control. The findings align with growing evidence that gut bacteria play important roles in metabolism and inflammation during pregnancy.

The most significant limitation is that this research was conducted in mice, not humans. Mouse bodies process things differently than human bodies, and what works in mice doesn’t always work in people. The study doesn’t specify exactly how many mice were used in each group. Additionally, the research doesn’t address whether pregnant women could safely take this bacteria supplement or how it might affect the developing baby. Long-term safety and effectiveness in humans remain unknown.

The Bottom Line

Based on this animal research, there is preliminary evidence (low to moderate confidence) that Akkermansia muciniphila bacteria may help with gestational diabetes. However, this should NOT be used as a treatment recommendation yet. Pregnant women should continue following their doctor’s advice for managing gestational diabetes, which typically includes diet changes, exercise, and sometimes insulin. This research suggests a promising direction for future treatments but requires human studies first.

This research is most relevant to pregnant women with gestational diabetes, their healthcare providers, and researchers studying pregnancy complications. Women currently pregnant should not attempt to use this bacteria as a treatment without medical supervision. This research may eventually be relevant to women planning pregnancy who have risk factors for gestational diabetes.

In the mouse studies, improvements in blood sugar control appeared relatively quickly after bacteria administration began. However, realistic timelines for human treatment cannot be determined from animal research. If this progresses to human trials, it would likely take several years of testing before any potential treatment becomes available.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track fasting blood sugar levels (if you have gestational diabetes) and note any probiotic supplements taken, along with dietary changes. Record these measurements weekly to identify patterns over time.
  • If you have gestational diabetes, work with your healthcare provider to optimize your diet and exercise routine. Once human research is available, discuss with your doctor whether probiotic supplements might be appropriate for you—do not self-treat based on this animal research.
  • Maintain a log of blood sugar readings, dietary intake, physical activity, and any supplements taken. Share this information with your healthcare provider at regular appointments to monitor how well your gestational diabetes is being managed.

This research was conducted in laboratory mice and has not been tested in pregnant women. The findings are preliminary and should not be used to guide medical treatment. Gestational diabetes is a serious condition that requires medical supervision. Pregnant women should work with their healthcare providers to manage gestational diabetes through proven methods including diet, exercise, and medication if needed. Do not start any new supplements or treatments during pregnancy without consulting your doctor first. This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.