This article details the findings of both the University of Copenhagen in Denmark and the Beijing Genetics Institute (BGI) of China in that though the study of “metagenomics” that results have displayed numerous ways in which gut bacteria in a person afflicted by type 2 diabetes are significantly discrete in comparison to individuals without the disease. Metagenomics is defined as the examination of DNA patterns within colonies instead of within individual organisms. It should be noted that the presence of these identified gut bacteria do not necessary mean that the bacteria are the cause of the disease itself, they merely note the presence of the disease. However, Danish researchers are examining this issue by injected healthy mice with these type 2 diabetes gut bacteria and examining the results. Experts note the shocking increase in diagnosis of individuals with type 2 diabetes, and believe that the numbers are even higher, masked by the fact that so many individuals do not even know that they are living with the disease.
The information that this research provides, even if it is found that the bacteria do not cause the disease, will have a resounding effect of the medical world. Having the ability to test and find if the individual has diabetes so much earlier would permit patients to more quickly react and change their lifestyle to prevent future heath repercussions. Even more so along this path, if additional research finds that these bacteria are indeed the cause of type 2 diabetes, I cannot imagine how beneficial, though of course optimistically many years in the future, a medication or treatment would be that could eliminate or reduce the impact of such bacteria in afflicted individuals. I know many family members and friends who struggle with type 2 diabetes and can see how powerful such a discovery, and potential treatment, could be in their lives, not to mention for the thousands of other afflicted individuals worldwide.
This finding may have a widespread effect on human healthcare. Type 2 diabetes is a serious threat to the American people. The Centers for Disease Control stated that in 2008 8/1000 people developed Type 2 diabetes, and they believe that the number will rise to 15/1000 by 2050. Hopefully this bacteria can be used in some way to combat this disease.
ReplyDeleteHere is the link: http://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/2010/r101022.html
ReplyDeleteWith the error that comes with blood testing and over-diagnosing that occurs with type II diabetes a new detection will need to be implemented into the health field. Regardless of whether these gut bacteria actually cause the disease, the findings of the relationship is outstanding.
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