The Crucial Role of Probiotics in the Prevention and Management of Diabetes, Part 1
Diabetes, often referred to as the "silent killer" in modern times, is experiencing a global surge, evolving into a significant public health concern.
According to the latest nationwide epidemiological survey data on diabetes prevalence in the Chinese population, published in the British Medical Journal, there are approximately 141 million diabetes patients in China. Type 2 diabetes, largely attributed to acquired factors, accounts for over 90% of these cases, while Type 1 diabetes represents about 5.0%. The prevalence of gestational diabetes in urban areas approaches 5.0%, with other types of diabetes comprising only 0.7%. However, the awareness, prevention, and control rates for diabetes among the Chinese population remain below 50%.
Based on etiology and pathogenesis, diabetes can be categorized into the following types:
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease primarily affecting adolescents and young adults. It is characterized by insufficient insulin secretion, necessitating exogenous insulin to maintain stable blood glucose levels.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder predominantly affecting adults, particularly those who are overweight or obese. It is characterized by insulin resistance and insufficient secretion, requiring lifestyle modifications such as dietary control and increased physical activity to improve metabolic conditions.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a specific type of diabetes that occurs in pregnant women. It is characterized by insufficient insulin secretion or insulin resistance during pregnancy, requiring treatment and management to avoid adverse effects on both the mother and the fetus.
Other Specific Types of Diabetes
Other specific types of diabetes refer to diabetes caused by factors other than Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. These types include, but are not limited to: diabetes following pancreatitis, diabetes caused by pancreatic tumors, and conditions such as Wolfram syndrome and Down syndrome.
Diabetes and its complications can lead to disability and mortality in patients. Symptoms include elevated blood sugar and blurred vision. Complications of diabetes include ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, diabetic hypoglycemia, and a series of conditions such as diabetic cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease, causing significant damage to the body.
Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% of all diabetes cases and is currently the most reversible and treatable form among the four types. It is often caused by metabolic disorders, and early detection facilitates prevention and treatment.
The Role of Probiotics in Diabetes Prevention and Management
Modern medical research indicates that the gut, through its microbiota, plays a complex role in physiological functions, including endocrine hormone regulation, immune responses, and metabolic product transformation. It is closely related to the regulation of the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and even brain function, known as the gut-X axis. Many chronic diseases are closely associated with the gut and its microbiota. By regulating blood glucose balance through endogenous gut microbiota, probiotics like Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis F1-7 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum F3-2 offer advantages over traditional drug treatments, including long-lasting effects, reduced recurrence, and fewer side effects. This approach has achieved certain academic successes and has been applied clinically, with relevant articles published in scientific journals such as Nature and Cell.