Multistrain probiotic combinations show greater glycemic control than single strains, with Lactobacillus + Bifidobacterium + Streptococcus emerging as a promising option for managing type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a chronic ailment affecting millions worldwide, continues to strain healthcare systems with rising prevalence and complex management. While medications, lifestyle changes, and dietary modifications remain the cornerstone of treatment, researchers are increasingly turning their attention to the role of gut health in blood sugar regulation.
A recent network meta-analysis (NMA), published following a comprehensive review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), suggests that multi-strain probiotic therapy could offer significant benefits for blood sugar control in patients with T2DM. Researchers conducted a systematic review across four major medical databases — PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library — to identify trials involving probiotics in T2DM.
The analysis included 30 RCTs, encompassing 1,861 volunteers, and compared the effects of different probiotic strains and combinations on key diabetes-related outcomes. Using a robust Bayesian network meta-analysis, the team ranked each probiotic intervention based on its effectiveness in improving four key glycemic indicators:
The results revealed not all probiotics are created equal — and multi-strain combinations outperformed single-strain formulations in most areas of diabetes management.
A cluster analysis of all four outcome measures indicated that the LAC + BIF + STR combination may offer the most comprehensive glycemic benefit, making it a promising candidate for clinical application. While not a replacement for conventional treatment, probiotics could soon become a valuable component of holistic diabetes care.
Nutrition Research
Probiotic supplementation contributes to glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Dengrong Ma et al.
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