Butyrate and gut health: New insights in type 2 diabetes

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Created On: 10/11/2025

This literature review sought to determine the impact of sodium butyrate supplementation on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

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Key take away

Gut barrier integrity and microbial balance influence systemic inflammation and insulin resistance, with sodium butyrate improving glycemic outcomes in T2DM.

Background

This literature review sought to determine the impact of sodium butyrate supplementation on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Method

This review consolidated epidemiological data on the prevalence, risk determinants, and demographic distribution of T2DM from 1990 to 2017, while also considering projections up to 2030. It explored the contribution of intestinal barrier dysfunction and gut microbiota imbalance to T2DM pathogenesis, with particular focus on mechanistic insights. Additionally, it evaluated recent research on butyrate, a key short-chain fatty acid, emphasizing its role in gut health and potential therapeutic applications in metabolic regulation.

Result

The global burden of T2DM has escalated across all age groups, with especially high prevalence in regions such as the Pacific Islands and Western Europe. Evidence suggests that compromised gut barrier function (“leaky gut”) and microbial dysbiosis drive systemic inflammation and insulin resistance, which are central to T2DM progression.

Butyrate has emerged as a crucial mediator, supporting epithelial barrier integrity, modulating immune function, and influencing glucose metabolism. Experimental studies illustrate that sodium butyrate supplementation enhances gut barrier protection, diminishes systemic endotoxemia, and improves metabolic outcomes. Early clinical trials depict that sodium butyrate, particularly in combination with prebiotic fibers, may improve glycemic regulation and lower inflammatory markers in T2DM sufferers.

Conclusion

Gut barrier health and microbial balance are pivotal in the development of T2DM. Sodium butyrate demonstrates therapeutic potential as an adjunctive treatment option, though robust evidence from large, long-term clinical studies is still needed. Strengthening gut health could represent an innovative strategy for both prevention and management of T2DM.