A Probiotic Nutritional Supplement Improves Glycemic Control and Biomarkers of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND

BeaT-2/Sugarburner is a nutritional supplement based on a co-existing microbial consortium of bacterial strains. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential beneficial effects of the supplement versus placebo on glycemic control and on biomarkers of inflammation, insulin resistance and ß-cell dysfunction.

METHODS

A total of 40 Patients with type 2 diabetes (31 male, 9 female, age:65.5 ± 8.0 years, BMI: 33.6 ± 5.5 kg/m², HbA1c: 7.2 ± 0.9%) were included into the study. They were randomized to receive 2 capsules of either BeaT-2 or placebo once daily for 6 weeks. Observation parameters were time in normoglycemia as assessed by continuous glucose monitoring, and biomarkers of glycemic control, ß-cell function, insulin resistance and chronic systemic inflammation.

RESULTS

Time in range was stable with BeaT-2 between weeks 0 and 2 versus weeks 4 and 6, while it slightly impaired with placebo (-4%, n.s.). At endpoint, there were significant improvements versus baseline with BeaT-2, but not with placebo for biomarkers of glycemic control (BeaT-2 vs Placebo, HbA1c: -0.3% vs 0.1%, fasting glucose: -14% vs +8%, both P < .05), insulin resistance (insulin: -17% vs +14%, HOMA-IR: -26% vs +21%, both P < .05), ß-cell dysfunction (intact proinsulin: -40% vs -2%, P < .05) and chronic systemic inflammation (adiponectin: +8% vs -8%; P < .05, hsCRP: -31% vs +27%, n.s.). In addition, observed changes in the lipid profiles and other parameters of metabolic syndrome were more favorable with BeaT-2 than with placebo. There were no differences between the groups with respect to number and type of adverse events.

CONCLUSION

The results observed with BeaT-2 were comprehensively indicative for improvements in the cardiometabolic situation. BeaT-2 may be a valuable supplement to any existing treatment combination in patients with type 2 diabetes.