With rising diabetes rates worldwide, scientists are searching for new and effective ways to prevent this chronic disease.
اضافة اعلانA recent study has shown that broccoli sprout extract (BSE), rich in sulforaphane, may help improve blood sugar levels in some individuals, particularly those with a specific gut microbiome composition. However, the effectiveness of this extract varies from person to person, opening the door for personalized treatments based on gut microbiome analysis.
Prediabetes and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
One in three adults worldwide has prediabetes, yet most are unaware of their condition.
Prediabetes is a state in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Without intervention, up to 70% of individuals with prediabetes may develop type 2 diabetes, a common condition that increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders.
The Role of Gut Microbiota in Blood Sugar Regulation
Recent research has highlighted the importance of gut microbiota in regulating blood sugar levels, suggesting that microbiome composition may influence how individuals respond to dietary interventions. Sulforaphane, found in broccoli sprout extract, has shown potential in reducing glucose production in the liver, but its effectiveness in prediabetes remains uncertain.
Understanding the combined effect of BSE and gut microbiota on glucose regulation is crucial for developing personalized interventions. Moreover, recent findings suggest that the activation of sulforaphane may depend on specific bacterial genes, such as BT2160, which plays a key role in converting its inactive precursors into the active form.
The Study and Its Findings
The study focused on individuals with prediabetes who had not taken any medications before. Participants were aged 35-75 years, with elevated glucose levels (6.1-6.9 mmol/L) and a BMI between 27-45 kg/m². After screening 450 individuals, those with conditions affecting glucose metabolism were excluded.
- 44 participants received broccoli sprout extract.
- 45 participants received a placebo.
- Fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, and beta-cell function were measured before and after treatment.
- Gut microbiome composition was analyzed using DNA sequencing.
Key Results
- A slight reduction in fasting blood glucose by 0.2 mmol/L in the BSE group compared to the placebo group. However, this did not meet the predefined target of 0.3 mmol/L.
- No significant differences in BMI or insulin resistance between the groups.
- A subgroup analysis revealed a better response in a specific group: Individuals with mild obesity and low insulin resistance (classified as Mild Age-Related Diabetes - MARD) experienced a greater glucose reduction of 0.4 mmol/L.
- The presence of the BT2160 gene in gut bacteria was linked to increased sulforaphane effectiveness.
Conclusion
Broccoli sprout extract may be beneficial for certain individuals, especially those with a specific gut microbiome composition and the BT2160 gene. However, the overall effect was limited, and further research is needed to optimize its effectiveness for long-term diabetes prevention.
