Efficacy of inulin supplementation in metabolic control and Akkermansia muciniphila levels in subjects with type 1 diabetes: a pilot study.

Several factors, as genetics, diet, and gut microbiota, are associated with the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Akkermansia muciniphila, an abundant bacterium in human microbiota, has anti-inflammatory properties and can correct metabolic disorders. The effects of the administration of inulin, a prebiotic which increases Akkermansia muciniphila gut levels, are unknown in subjects with T1D.

49 subjects with T1D, age 46 [37-53] years, 30 females (61%), duration of disease 20 [11-27] years, HbA1c 64 [59-72] mmol/mol, were randomized in group A (inulin 3 g twice daily for 3 months + insulin, n=24) and in group B (insulin alone, n=25). Body weight, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), daily insulin units, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics, and Bristol stool scale (BSS) score were collected at enrollment and after 3 months.

After 3 months, subjects in group A showed a significant decrease in body weight [group A -2 (-3; 0) kg and group B 0 (-1; 1) kg, p=0.03] and daily insulin units [group A -1.5 UI (-3.1; 0) vs. group B 0.6 (0; 1.7), p=0.01]. After 3 months, changes in HbA1c and CGM were similar between groups. In both groups, there was no change in BSS score (p=0.39) nor in Akkermansia muciniphila gut levels.

Inulin was associated with a slight body weight decrease and insulin need reduction, but not with an increase in Akkermansia muciniphila levels. More studies are required to explore this issue.
Diabetes
Diabetes type 1
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Authors

Ojetti Ojetti, Saviano Saviano, Rizzi Rizzi, Tartaglione Tartaglione, Di Leo Di Leo, Quaranta Quaranta, Masucci Masucci, Pitocco Pitocco
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