Japanese researchers say they've found a type of intestinal bacteria that may help prevent the development of diabetes.
They say it may help activate insulin, the hormone that helps reduce blood sugar levels.
They published their findings in the science magazine Nature last week. The group includes researchers from the RIKEN research institute and the University of Tokyo.
They surveyed more than 300 adults who were found to have risks of developing diabetes.
They examined the participants' gut bacteria types, fecal carbohydrates, and insulin conditions.
They found that insulin works better in people with high levels of the bacteria Alistipes.
The team then gave the bacteria to obese mice. It says their blood glucose levels dropped 20 percent compared to mice that were not given the bacteria.
They say it may help activate insulin, the hormone that helps reduce blood sugar levels.
They published their findings in the science magazine Nature last week. The group includes researchers from the RIKEN research institute and the University of Tokyo.
They surveyed more than 300 adults who were found to have risks of developing diabetes.
They examined the participants' gut bacteria types, fecal carbohydrates, and insulin conditions.
They found that insulin works better in people with high levels of the bacteria Alistipes.
The team then gave the bacteria to obese mice. It says their blood glucose levels dropped 20 percent compared to mice that were not given the bacteria.
◆intestinal bacteria 腸内細菌
◆hormone ホルモン
◆gut bacteria 腸内細菌
◆fecal 便の、糞（ふん）の
◆bacteria Alistipes. アリスティペスという細菌
◆obese