Scientists discovered that a combination of a helpful gut bacteria called Akkermansia muciniphila and a natural substance called butyrate may help control type 1 diabetes in mice and rats. When used together, this combination worked better than either treatment alone at lowering blood sugar, helping animals maintain healthy weight, and improving how their bodies process food. The researchers tested this in living animals and in lab cells, finding that the combination increased protective substances in the liver. While these results are promising, more research in humans is needed before this becomes a standard diabetes treatment.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a helpful gut bacteria (Akkermansia muciniphila) and a natural compound called butyrate, used alone or together, could help treat type 1 diabetes in animal models
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice and rats that were given a chemical to create diabetes-like conditions, plus healthy control animals. No human participants were involved in this study.
  • Key finding: The combination of both the bacteria and butyrate together worked better than either treatment alone at lowering blood sugar levels, preventing weight loss, and normalizing eating and drinking habits in diabetic animals
  • What it means for you: This research suggests a potential new approach to managing type 1 diabetes, but it’s still in early stages. These findings were only tested in animals, so we can’t yet say whether it would work the same way in people. Anyone with diabetes should continue following their doctor’s current treatment plan.

The Research Details

The researchers conducted multiple experiments to test their idea. First, they created diabetes in laboratory mice by giving them a specific chemical dose. They then divided the mice into groups: some received no treatment, some received butyrate, some received the bacteria, and some received a combination. They measured blood sugar, weight, and eating/drinking behavior over time.

Next, they repeated similar experiments in rats, comparing the same treatment groups and measuring how well the treatments worked. They also did laboratory tests using fat cells to see if the bacteria and butyrate protected cells from damage caused by the chemical that creates diabetes.

Finally, they used advanced laboratory equipment to measure special protective substances called short-chain fatty acids in the animals’ livers to understand how the treatments were working at a chemical level.

This research approach is important because it tests treatments in living animals before considering human trials. The researchers tested both individual treatments and combinations to see if working together made them more effective. By measuring multiple health markers (blood sugar, weight, eating behavior, and protective chemicals), they got a complete picture of how well the treatments worked.

This study has some strengths: it tested treatments in two different animal species (mice and rats), included control groups for comparison, and used multiple measurement methods. However, there are important limitations: the study was only done in animals, not humans, so results may not apply to people. The sample sizes aren’t clearly reported, and animal diabetes created by chemicals doesn’t perfectly match human type 1 diabetes. The researchers didn’t test the treatments for very long periods, so we don’t know about long-term effects.

What the Results Show

In both mice and rats, the combination of Akkermansia muciniphila bacteria and butyrate together produced the best results. Diabetic animals that received the combination therapy had significantly lower blood sugar levels compared to untreated diabetic animals. They also stopped losing weight, which is important because untreated diabetic animals typically lose weight.

The combination therapy also normalized how much the animals ate and drank. Diabetic animals typically eat and drink much more than healthy animals, but the treated animals returned to normal patterns. These improvements appeared within two weeks of treatment, suggesting the treatments work relatively quickly.

When the researchers tested just butyrate alone or just the bacteria alone, both showed some improvement, but neither worked as well as the combination. This suggests that the two treatments work together in a way that’s more powerful than either one by itself.

In laboratory tests with fat cells, both the bacteria and butyrate protected cells from damage caused by the chemical that creates diabetes. This suggests the treatments may protect the body’s own cells from harm. The researchers also found that the combination therapy increased protective substances called short-chain fatty acids in the liver, with the combination producing the highest levels. These fatty acids are thought to be important for reducing inflammation and protecting organs.

Previous research has shown that gut bacteria play an important role in diabetes development and control. This study builds on that knowledge by testing a specific bacteria (Akkermansia muciniphila) that other scientists have identified as potentially helpful. The use of butyrate is also based on earlier research showing it has anti-inflammatory and protective effects. This appears to be one of the first studies testing these two treatments together, making the combination approach relatively novel.

The biggest limitation is that all testing was done in animals, not humans. Mice and rats don’t have the same biology as people, so results may not translate directly. The diabetes created by chemicals in the lab doesn’t perfectly match how type 1 diabetes develops naturally in humans. The study didn’t follow animals for long periods, so we don’t know if benefits continue over months or years. The exact number of animals used in each group isn’t clearly stated. Finally, the study didn’t compare these treatments to standard diabetes medications, so we don’t know how they compare to current treatments.

The Bottom Line

Based on this animal research, we cannot yet recommend these treatments for human diabetes. The findings are promising and suggest future human studies should be conducted, but more evidence is needed. People with type 1 diabetes should continue working with their doctors and using proven treatments like insulin. If interested in probiotics or dietary changes, discuss with your healthcare provider, as they can advise on what’s safe alongside your current diabetes management.

People with type 1 diabetes and their families should be aware of this research as a potential future option, but it’s not ready for use yet. Researchers studying diabetes and gut health should pay attention to these findings. People interested in probiotics or natural approaches to health may find this interesting, but should not use it as a reason to change their diabetes treatment without medical guidance.

In the animal studies, improvements appeared within two weeks. However, we don’t know how long benefits would last or whether they would continue indefinitely. If this treatment ever becomes available for humans, it would likely take several years of additional research before it could be offered as a therapy. People should not expect immediate results from any new treatment and should maintain realistic expectations based on their doctor’s guidance.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily blood sugar readings, weight, and appetite levels to establish baseline patterns. If your doctor approves any new treatment, continue tracking these same metrics weekly to monitor for changes. Note any changes in energy levels, thirst, or eating patterns.
  • Work with your doctor to discuss whether adding a probiotic supplement containing Akkermansia muciniphila (when available) or increasing dietary fiber (which produces butyrate naturally) might complement your current diabetes management. Don’t make changes without medical approval.
  • If your doctor approves any new treatment approach, use the app to log blood sugar readings before and after meals, weekly weight measurements, and any changes in how you feel. Set reminders to take any prescribed treatments consistently and note any side effects or concerns to discuss with your healthcare provider at your next visit.

This research was conducted in laboratory animals and has not been tested in humans. These findings do not constitute medical advice or a recommended treatment for type 1 diabetes. Anyone with type 1 diabetes should continue following their doctor’s treatment plan and should not make changes to their diabetes management based on this research alone. Before considering any new treatment approach, including probiotics or dietary supplements, consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your individual situation. This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical guidance.