Dietary intervention improves metabolic levels in patients with type 2 diabetes through the gut microbiota: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Xiaoyu Xu
Fan Zhang1 - 1School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
- 2Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
- 3Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
Background: Poor dietary structure plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes and is closely associated with dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. Thus, the objective of this systematic review was to assess the impact of dietary interventions on improving gut microbiota and metabolic levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
Results: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. In comparison to baseline measurements, the high-fiber diet produced substantial reductions in FBG (mean difference −1.15 mmol/L; 95% CI, −2.24 to −0.05; I2 = 94%; P = 0.04), HbA1c (mean difference −0.99%; 95% CI, −1.93 to −0.03; I2 = 89%; P = 0.04), and total cholesterol (mean difference −0.95 mmol/L; 95% CI, −1.57 to −0.33; I2 = 77%; P = 0.003); the high–fat and low–carbohydrate diet led to a significant reduction in HbA1c (mean difference −0.98; 95% CI, −1.50 to −0.46; I2 = 0%; P = 0.0002). Within the experimental group (intervention diets), total cholesterol (mean difference −0.69 mmol/L; 95% CI, −1.27 to −0.10; I2 = 52%; P = 0.02) and LDL-C (mean difference −0.45 mmol/L; 95% CI, −0.68 to −0.22; I2 = 0%; P < 0.0001) experienced significant reductions in comparison to the control group (recommended diets for type 2 diabetes). However, no statistically significant differences emerged in the case of FBG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, and HDL-C between the experimental and control groups. The high dietary fiber diet triggered an augmented presence of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria in the intestines of individuals with T2DM. In addition, the high-fat and low-carbohydrate diet resulted in a notable decrease in Bacteroides abundance while simultaneously increasing the relative abundance of Eubacterium. Compared to a specific dietary pattern, personalized diets appear to result in the production of a greater variety of beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to more effective blood glucose control in T2D patients.
Conclusion: Dietary interventions hold promise for enhancing metabolic profiles in individuals with T2D through modulation of the gut microbiota. Tailored dietary regimens appear to be more effective than standard diets in improving glucose metabolism. However, given the limited and highly heterogeneous nature of the current sample size, further well-designed and controlled intervention studies are warranted in the future.
1 Introduction
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a non-infectious metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels caused by impaired insulin secretion, insulin resistance, or both (1). The etiology of T2DM is multifaceted, and recent studies have identified the gut microbiota as a potential contributor to its pathophysiology (2). In addition to chronic inflammation and metabolic disturbances, individuals with T2DM experience dysregulation of the gut microbiota and compromised intestinal barrier function, leading to increased intestinal permeability (3). Specifically, gut microbiota imbalances manifest as reduced microbial abundance and diversity, particularly the depletion of butyric acid-producing bacteria (4). On one hand, patients exhibit diminished production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by beneficial gut bacteria, resulting in decreased levels of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). On the other hand, the proliferation of harmful bacteria in the gut leads to increased intestinal permeability and the release of endotoxins (LPS), causing chronic inflammation in pancreatic islets, ultimately contributing to pancreatic β-cell damage and reduced insulin sensitivity (5, 6). Additionally, the gut microbiota is now recognized as a novel endocrine organ that influences human health by secreting metabolites such as SCFAs, bile acids, indoleacetic acid, branched-chain amino acids, and trimethylamine-N-oxide (7).
Furthermore, poor dietary structure and eating habits play significant roles in the onset and progression of T2DM, and an unbalanced diet is closely associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis. This dietary structure is characterized by chronic excessive consumption of carbohydrates and fats (particularly saturated fats) and inadequate intake of dietary fiber (8). Consequently, dietary interventions for patients with T2DM should focus on the overall dietary pattern rather than isolated nutrients or specific foods (9). This is because different dietary combinations and the nutrients contained within them interact synergistically to influence the health of individuals with T2DM (10).
While numerous meta-analyses and systematic reviews have examined the effects of dietary patterns or individual nutrients on glycemia in T2DM patients, few have explored the collective impact of daily dietary patterns on both gut microbiota and metabolic levels in this population. Hence, the objective of this systematic review is to investigate the efficacy of dietary patterns or combinations in improving gut microbiota and metabolic levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, while also exploring the potential mediating role of gut microbiota and its metabolites in the diet-metabolism relationship. Specifically, we will analyze changes in gut microbiota diversity, composition, and function. Probiotic interventions directly affecting the gut microbiota have been excluded from the inclusion criteria.
2 Materials and methods
This Meta-analysis and systematic review adhered to the latest PRISMA 2020 guidelines for reporting (11).
2.1 Eligibility criteria
The following criteria were used for inclusion and exclusion:
Experiment type: Population intervention trials such as randomized controlled trials. Experiments conducted on animals and in vitro were excluded.
Population: Inclusion encompassed patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes, while exclusions were applied to individuals with type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and other diabetes types. It was imperative for subjects with type 2 diabetes to possess a clinical diagnosis managed through dietary control, oral medications, and/or insulin therapy.
Intervention: Eligible interventions included specific dietary patterns or combinations of diets. Supplementation with nutrients, nutritional supplements, or probiotics in isolation was not considered for inclusion.
Outcomes: The primary outcomes were changes in the gut microbiota (including changes in the diversity and abundance of the gut microbiota, gut microbiota composition and gut microbiota function) and metabolic levels. Among the metabolic levels were blood glucose (glycated hemoglobin, fasting glucose, and insulin resistance homeostasis model assessment) and lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol). Secondary outcomes were changes in anthropometric indicators and inflammatory markers (endotoxin levels, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6, and C-reactive protein).
2.2 Information sources and search strategy
Two authors independently searched electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. The search was limited to articles published in English, with the completion date set as October 10, 2023. Medical subject headings (MeSH) and their synonyms were used as search terms, combined using Boolean operators (OR/AND) based on the study requirements. The search strategy is: “type 2 diabetes” combined with Boolean operator OR to similar terms (“type 2 diabetes mellitus”; “T2D”; “T2DM”; “pre-diabetes”; “prediabetes”; “prediabetic state”); AND “dietary pattern” combined with Boolean operator OR to similar terms (“feeding pattern”; “eating behavior”; “diet”; “dietary habit”; “food selection”); AND “gut microbiota” combined with Boolean operator OR to similar terms (“gut microbiome”; “gut microbiota”; “Intestinal flora”; “Gut microbiota”; AND “randomized controlled trial” combined with Boolean operator OR to similar terms (“RCT”; “trial”; “intervention”).
2.3 Selection process and data extraction
All titles and abstracts obtained from the literature search were initially screened manually, following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subsequently, the literature selected from the initial screening underwent a second screening through full-text reading. Finally, the studies identified in the secondary screening were organized using Microsoft Excel software. We extracted information from the included studies, including authors, country, year, diet and subgroup, study type, subject characteristics, and study outcomes (Table 1). The data extracted for analysis included relevant indicators such as baseline and post-dietary intervention measurements of gut microbiota, glucose, lipids, and inflammation.
Table 1. Description and characteristics of the included studies.
2.4 Data analysis
Meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4 software. All included studies were randomized controlled trials, except for the study by Ismael S et al., which was a single-arm trial with only one experimental group in its study subgroup. In our meta-analysis, two distinct approaches were employed. Firstly, we conducted a comparative assessment between the changes observed in the experimental group pre- and post-intervention and those in the control group (following a recommended diet for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus) before and after their respective interventions. Secondly, we compared changes before and after the intervention of two nutritionally characterized diets (high-fiber diets, high-fat and low-carbohydrate diets) within groups. The specific indicators scrutinized encompassed alterations in fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, the homeostasis model insulin resistance index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and body mass index. The mean and standard deviation were calculated using the conversion formula in an Excel sheet (24, 25), and the standard error was converted to standard deviation using a specific formula. Fasting glucose units were standardized to mmol/L.
2.5 Risk of bias and quality assessment
Review Manager 5.4 software was used as an assessment tool for evaluating the quality of clinical trial studies. Two authors independently assessed the risk of bias and quality of each included article. Areas assessed included selection bias (random sequence generation and allocation concealment), implementation bias (blinding of participants and personnel), measurement bias (blinding of outcome assessment), missing visit bias (incomplete outcome data), reporting bias (selective reporting), and other biases. Each assessment was categorized as “low risk,” “high risk,” or “uncertain risk.”
3 Description and classification of dietary interventions
In light of the intricate and multifarious nature of various dietary patterns, this study categorizes them into two distinct classes: specific dietary patterns and individualized dietary patterns, contingent upon whether the groups underwent uniform dietary interventions. Furthermore, within the category of specific dietary patterns, a finer classification was employed to delineate high-fiber diets, high-fat and low-carbohydrate diets, and low-fat low-carbohydrate diets, guided by the nutritional characteristics of the dietary interventions encompassed. Table 2 describes the characteristics of the main nutrients in dietary interventions.
Table 2. The characteristics of the main nutrients in dietary intervention.
4 Results
4.1 Study selection
Using the literature search strategy, we initially identified 785 relevant citations from four databases: Pubmed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Science Direct. After removing duplicate citations, 532citations underwent title and abstract screening based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in the exclusion of 502 citations. Finally, 12clinical studies were included in the meta-analysis after a thorough evaluation of the full text to ensure they met the specified study types, interventions, and study outcomes. Figure 1 presents the PRISMA flow chart illustrating the selection process of the included studies.
Figure 1. PRISMA flowchart.
4.2 Study characteristics
4.2.1 Participant characteristics
The study involved a total of 676 individuals with either type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or prediabetes, ranging in age from 25 to 80 years. One study reported a BMI of 18.5–24.9 kg/m2 (15), while 6 studies provided a BMI range of 25–45 kg/m2, and the remaining five did not report BMI values. These findings indicate that at least half of the participants were overweight or obese.
4.2.2 Intervention characteristics
The duration of the interventions ranged from 18 days to 3 years. The interventions consisted of various dietary patterns or combinations, including 3 Mediterranean diets (Two of them were compared with ketogenic diet and personalized diet, respectively), 1 low-energy diets, 1 low-carbohydrate diet based on almonds, 1 low-fat diet, 1 Ma-Pi 2 diet, 2 high dietary fiber diets, 1 diet incorporating sardines, 1 diet with reduced branched-chain amino acids, and 2 individualized diet. Supplementary Table S1 provides details of the nutritional intake for each experimental group after the dietary intervention, as anticipated in the experiment.
4.3 Risk of bias in studies
We assessed the quality of the 11 included studies using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool (Supplementary Figure S1) (26). All studies were determined to have low risk of bias in terms of missing visit bias (incomplete outcome data) and reporting bias (selective reporting). Only three studies (13, 19, 20) explicitly mentioned using random sequence generation for allocation, and two of these studies (13, 19) also reported concealing the allocation scheme, indicating low risk of selection bias. Implementation bias (blinding of participants and personnel) and measurement bias (blinding of outcome assessment) were rated as lower in four studies, while two studies exhibited a higher risk of bias associated with blinding of participants and personnel (14, 18).
4.4 Effect of dietary intervention on gut microbiota
4.4.1 Changes in gut microbiota diversity and richness
Five studies investigated gut microbiota diversity, while two studies examined gut bacterial richness. In a multicenter randomized clinical trial (16) involving 211 pre-diabetic overweight adult patients, a low-energy diet intervention resulted in significant increases in alpha diversity (microbiota composition diversity within individuals), beta diversity (differences in microbiota structure between individuals), and gut microbiota richness (all P < 0.001). Ren et al. (19) observed increased alpha diversity of the gut microbiota in patients with T2DM following both an almond-based low-carbohydrate diet and a low-fat diet, although there was no significant difference in gut microbiota structure (beta diversity) between the two diet groups. Candela M et al. (12) compared the fiber-rich long-life Ma-Pi 2 diet with the Italian T2D Therapy Professional Association recommended diet and found a tendency for both dietary patterns to increase gut microbiota alpha diversity in T2DM patients, but without significant differences between time points.
Ismael et al. (17) conducted a single-arm trial of a Mediterranean diet intervention, where no difference in gut microbiota diversity was observed at the end of the intervention, while bacterial richness tended to increase from baseline to 12 weeks. However, Deledda et al. (18) also implemented a Mediterranean diet intervention, comparing it with a ketogenic diet. The results indicated no significant difference in the alpha diversity of the gut microbiota over time in either group, but a significant difference in beta diversity of the flora between the two intervention groups (p = 0.013).
4.4.2 Changes in the composition of the gut microbiota
Table 3 displays the effects of different dietary interventions on the gut microbiota at the phylum, genus, and species levels. Candela et al. (12) reported that a fiber-rich Ma-Pi 2 diet effectively countered the reduction of Faecalibacterium, Bacteroides, and Dorea in T2DM patients and promoted the presence of SCFA-producing bacteria, such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Lachnospiraceae bacterium. Zhao et al. (13) demonstrated that a high dietary fiber intake stimulated the production of 15 strains of acetate and butyrate-producing bacteria, while inhibiting the production of indole and hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria. Chen et al. (14) found that a high dietary fiber intake increased the proportion of several beneficial bacteria in the intestines of T2DM patients, while decreasing the proportion of certain opportunistic pathogenic bacteria.
Table 3. Effect of different diets on part of the gut microbiota in T2DM patients at Phylum, Genus and Species levels.
Medina-Vera et al. (15) observed that a Functional food diet increased the levels of Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (associated with anti-inflammatory effects) by 125%, while decreasing the levels of Prevotella copri by 13%. Additionally, the intake of Bifidobacterium longum (linked to improved insulin signaling) and Bacteroides fragilis (with a robust capacity for multiple dietary polysaccharides) also increased. Jian et al. (16) demonstrated that after 8 weeks of a low-energy diet intervention, there was a significant increase in the abundance of Verrucomicrobia and Bacteroidetes (P < 0.001) at the phylum level, while Actinobacteria and Firmicutes significantly decreased in abundance (P < 0.001). At the genus level, Akkermansia, Ruminococcus, Bacteroides, and Christensenellaceae R-7 showed significant increases, whereas Faecalibacterium, Bifidobacterium, and butyrate-producing bacteria (Lachnospira, Pseudobutyrivibrio, and Blautia) were significantly reduced.
Ismael et al. (17) compared changes in Bacteroides flora at 4 and 12 weeks of Mediterranean diet intervention with baseline. The ratio of Prevotella to Bacteroides significantly increased after 4 weeks, and the increase in the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes after 12 weeks was clinically significant. The relative abundance of Bacteroides, Ruminococcus, Roseburia, Akkermansia, and Actinobacteria showed an increasing trend after 12 weeks of Mediterranean diet intervention, while Faecalibacterium and Firmicutes exhibited a decreasing trend. Deledda et al. (18) divided the ketogenic and Mediterranean diets into two intervention groups, and both groups showed consistent reductions in Bacteroidetes and Bacteroides. The ketogenic diet group exhibited a significant increase in beneficial microbiota such as Akkermansia and Eubacterium, as well as a decrease in microbial taxa associated with obesity (Firmicutes and Actinobacteria). The Mediterranean diet group showed significant increases in Firmicutes and Actinobacteria. Ren et al. (19) compared an almond-based low-carbohydrate diet with a low-fat diet. After 3 months of intervention, the low-carbohydrate diet group exhibited significantly higher relative abundances of Ruminococcus and Roseburia (P < 0.01) compared to the low-fat diet group. Several short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, including Eubacterium, were significantly increased in the low-carbohydrate diet group compared to baseline.
Karusheva et al. (21) found an 11% decrease in the abundance of Firmicutes and a 40% increase in the abundance of Bacteroidetes after BCAA- intervention compared to BCAA+. Meleshko et al. (22) reported that the use of a personalized diet resulted in a significant increase in the abundance of Lactobacillus spp., Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, lac+, and Candida spp., while there was a significant decrease in abundance. In a study by Shoer et al. (23), it was observed that personalized dietary regimens elicited a more pronounced influence on gut microbiota in comparison to the Mediterranean diet. The personalized diet instigated a noteworthy rise in the relative abundance of 19 gut microbiota species, notably including Flavonifractor plautii, Roseburia hominis, Ruthenibacterium lactatiformans, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. In contrast, the Mediterranean diet led to a notable increase in the relative abundance of only four gut microbiota species.
Upon comprehensive analysis of alterations in gut microbiota composition across the included studies, it became evident that high dietary fiber-based diets (such as the Ma-Pi 2 diet, high dietary fiber diet, functional food diet, and Mediterranean diet) conferred an augmented presence of intestinal Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Akkermansia, and Bifidobacterium in patients with T2DM. In contrast, high-fat low-carbohydrate diets, encompassing ketogenic diets and almond-based low-carbohydrate diets, markedly diminished the relative abundance of Bacteroides and substantially augmented that of Eubacterium.
4.4.3 Changes in gut microbiota function
Three studies conducted comparative predictive analyses of the functional macrogenome of the gut microbiota following dietary interventions, and some of the metabolic pathways that were significantly altered are collated in Supplementary Table S2 in the Appendix. Deledda et al. (18) reported a significant increase in 22 metabolic pathways commonly associated with the ketogenic diet group, while 17 pathways showed a significant decrease at months 2 and 3 compared to baseline. Notably, pathways involved in the degradation of limonene and ethylbenzene, biosynthesis of cephalosporin and penicillin, and carbohydrate digestion and absorption exhibited strong negative correlations, but displayed strong positive correlations with steroid and carotenoid biosynthesis as well as non-homologous end-joining pathways. No significant correlations with metabolic pathways were observed in the Mediterranean diet group.
Jian et al. (16) discovered that low-energy dietary intake significantly increased the abundance of Akkermansia (which promotes the glycosaminoglycan degradation pathway) and decreased the abundance of Pseudobutyrivibrio (which promotes flagellar assembly). Furthermore, the body mass index (BMI) and body weight of the subjects exhibited a negative correlation with the glycosaminoglycan degradation pathway and a positive correlation with flagellar assembly, indicating a connection between changes in the human gut microbiota and body weight.
Candela et al. (12) demonstrated that the Ma-Pi 2 diet reduced the abundance of gut microbiota marker bacteria associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (involved in polyketide biosynthesis, sphingolipid biosynthesis, arachidonic acid metabolism, and alanine metabolism), while increasing the abundance of bacteria that improved metabolism (involved in taurine, cysteine, methionine, valine, leucine, isoleucine metabolism, and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis). Consequently, the Ma-Pi 2 diet provided the body with additional essential amino acids and vital nutrients.
4.5 Effect of dietary intervention on glycemic control
Candela et al. (12) compared the fiber-rich Ma-Pi 2 diet with the diet recommended by the Italian Professional Association for the Treatment of T2DM. Both diets led to a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels in patients. The reduction in FBG (P = 0.007) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (P = 0.0004) was more pronounced in the Ma-Pi 2 diet group compared to the control group. Zhao et al. (13) observed a significant decrease in both glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and FBG levels in the high dietary fiber group (P < 0.001) and the control group (following the 2013 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Patients with Chinese Diabetes Society) (P < 0.001). However, the high dietary fiber group exhibited a greater reduction in HbA1c levels starting from day 28 of the intervention (−1.91±0.24). Chen et al. (14) found that high dietary fiber significantly lowered HbA1c and FBG levels in patients.
Medina-Vera et al. (15) reported significant reductions of −15.6% in free fatty acids (FFA) and −7.2% in HbA1c levels among patients following a high fiber low-energy diet intervention compared to baseline. Jian C et al. (16) observed significant reductions in HbA1c, FBG, and HOMA-IR in patients with T2DM after a low-energy diet (P < 0.001). Ren M et al. (19) compared low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets and found that the low-carbohydrate group exhibited a greater decrease in HbA1c levels compared to the low-fat diet group after 3 months of intervention (P < 0.01). Both groups demonstrated significantly lower HbA1c levels during the intervention (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively).
Ismael et al. (17) implemented a 12-week Mediterranean diet intervention in T2DM patients, resulting in a significant decrease in HOMA-IR (mean change −1.03±2.64, P < 0.05, Cohen's d = −0.41) and HbA1c compared to baseline levels (mean change −0.67±0.98, p < 0.05, Cohen's d = −0.70), although the decrease in FBG was not significant. Deledda et al. (18) demonstrated a 1.1% decrease in HbA1c in the ketogenic diet group after dietary intervention (from 6.6 ± 0.9 to 5.5 ± 0.5, p = 0.012), while the change in HbA1c in the Mediterranean diet group was not significant. No significant changes in FBG were observed in either group.
Balfegó et al. (20) found no significant difference in glycemic control between the sardine diet and the control diet. Both groups exhibited significantly lower homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and fasting insulin levels compared to baseline, but the reduction was greater in the sardine diet group (mean change in fasting insulin −6.1 ± 1.8 mU/L, P=0.01; mean change in HOMA-IR −2.3 ± 0.7, P = 0.007). Karusheva et al. (21) demonstrated that a reduced branched-chain amino acid diet (BCAA-) led to reduced insulin secretion and increased postprandial insulin sensitivity when compared to a full amino acid diet (BCAA+). Meleshko et al. reported a significant reduction in blood glucose levels in patients with T2DM after personalized dietary intervention (mean change −2.36 ± 2.13 mmol/L, P < 0.05). Shoer et al. (23) reported that a personalized diet was more effective in managing glycemic control (HbA1c) compared to the Mediterranean diet.
Regarding the meta-analysis of glucose metabolism, no significant differences were observed in FBG, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR between the experimental group (intervention diet) and the control group (recommended diet for type 2 diabetic patients), as depicted in Supplementary Figure S2. Following the high-fiber dietary intervention, FBG (mean difference −1.15 mmol/L; 95% CI, −2.24 to −0.05; I2 = 94%; P = 0.04) and HbA1c (mean difference −0.99%; 95% CI, −1.93 to −0.03; I2 = 89%; P=0.04) exhibited significant reductions compared to baseline levels (Figure 2). Moreover, the high–fat low–carbohydrate HbA1c (mean difference −0.98; 95% CI, −1.50 to −0.46; I2 = 0%; P = 0.0002) was notably lower after the dietary intervention (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Effect of dietary intervention on glycemic control. (A) Own control of the effect of high dietary fiber dietary intervention on fasting blood glucose (FBG) (mmol/L). (B) Own control of the effect of high dietary fiber dietary intervention on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (%). (C) Own control for the effect of high-fat low-carbohydrate dietary intervention on (HbA1c) (%).
4.6 Effect of dietary intervention on lipids
Medina-Vera et al. (15) observed a decrease in total cholesterol (−7.8%), triglycerides (−23%), and LDL-C (−9.9%) compared to baseline values in 81 subjects who received a high fiber, low-energy diet. Additionally, Candela et al. (12) reported a significantly greater reduction in total cholesterol, HDL-C, and LDL-C in the Ma-Pi 2 diet group compared to the control group (p < 0.05).
In the context of the meta-analysis on lipid metabolism, the experimental group (intervention diet) exhibited a noteworthy reduction in total cholesterol (mean difference −0.69 mmol/L; 95% CI, −1.27 to −0.10; I2=52%; P=0.02) and LDL–C (mean difference −0.45 mmol/L; 95% CI, – 0.68 to −0.22; I2=0%; P < 0.0001) compared to the control group (recommended diet for type 2 diabetic patients), as illustrated in Figure 3. After the high–fiber dietary intervention, total cholesterol (mean difference −0.95 mmol/L; 95% CI, −1.57 to −0.33; I2=77%; P = 0.003) demonstrated a significant decrease relative to baseline levels. Nonetheless, no significant differences were observed in HDL-C between the experimental and control groups, nor in the changes before and after the high-fiber diet intervention, as depicted in Supplementary Figure S2.
Figure 3. Effect of dietary intervention on lipid levels. (A) Effect of dietary intervention on total cholesterol (mmol/L) in the experimental group compared to the recommended diet for type 2 diabetic patients. (B) Effect of dietary intervention on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (mmol/L) in the experimental group compared to the recommended diet for type 2 diabetic patients. (C) Self-control of the effect of high dietary fiber dietary intervention on total cholesterol (mmol/L).
4.7 Effect of dietary intervention on inflammatory indicators
According to Candela et al. (12), the consumption of a high-fiber Ma-Pi 2 diet significantly reduced the levels of TNF-α (-18.63 ± 27.59 pg/mL), CRP (−4.43±7.81 mg/L), and IL-6 (−0.286±3.86 pg/mL) (p < 0.01). Medina-Vera et al. (15) demonstrated that a low-energy diet high in fiber, polyphenols, and plant proteins effectively reduced inflammation levels in T2DM patients. The intervention group showed a 65% reduction in endotoxin (LPS) levels compared to baseline. Similarly, Chen et al. (14) found that a high dietary fiber diet significantly decreased IL-6, IL-1, and TNF-α, resulting in reduced systemic inflammation. Meleshko et al. (22) designed a personalized diet that significantly reduced TNF-α levels (−6.9 ± 0.91 pg/mL, P < 0.05), along with IL-6 and IL-1, indicating the efficacy of dietary interventions rich in dietary fiber and phytochemicals in improving inflammation levels in T2DM.
4.8 Effect of dietary intervention on anthropometrics
Deledda et al. investigated the impact of the Mediterranean diet intervention, which resulted in significant reductions in weight (−3.1 ± 17.6 kg, P = 0.02), body mass index (−2.1 ± 4.53 kg/m2, P = 0.02), and waist circumference (−4.7 ± 9.08 cm, P = 0.004) compared to baseline. However, the ketogenic diet intervention yielded even more substantial and significant reductions in weight (−14.3 ± 13.91 kg, P < 0.0001), body mass index (−5.3 ± 3.93 kg/m2, P < 0.0001), and waist circumference (−12.3 ± 7.27 cm, P < 0.0002). The low–energy diet designed by Jian C et al. demonstrated significant decreases in BMI compared to baseline (−3.9 ± 1.14 kg/m2, P < 0.001), as did the low–carbohydrate diet implemented by Ren et al. (−0.51 ± 2.39 kg/m2, P = 0.034). Similarly, the individualized diet by Meleshko et al. led to a significant reduction in BMI during the intervention period (−4.03 ± 10.62 kg/m2).
Regarding the meta-analysis of BMI, no significant disparity in BMI was observed between the experimental group (intervention diet) and the control group (recommended diet for type 2 diabetic patients), as depicted in Supplementary Figure S2.
5 Discussion
This review included a total of 12 dietary intervention trials. In the comprehensive meta-analysis, alterations in glucose metabolism and BMI within the experimental group (adhering to nutrient intake adjusted according to the recommended diet for individuals with T2D) did not demonstrate statistical significance when compared to the control group (following the recommended diet for T2D patients). However, the experimental group exhibited noteworthy reductions in both total cholesterol and LDL-C levels. In subgroup analyses, it was observed that FBG, HbA1c, and total cholesterol were significantly lower following interventions involving high dietary fiber diets, such as the Ma-PI2 diet, high-fiber diet, and Mediterranean diet, when contrasted with pre-intervention levels. Furthermore, HbA1c exhibited a significant decrease after high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet interventions, as seen in the ketogenic diet and almond-based low-carbohydrate diet. Notably, the low-fat and low-carbohydrate diet, i.e., a low-energy diet, significantly enhanced glucose metabolism levels (FBG and HOMA-IR), as well as general and central obesity, as measured by BMI and waist circumference, in overweight and obese T2D patients. Furthermore, a personalized diet tailored to the individual's gut microbiota, immune system, and biochemical parameters demonstrated superior efficacy in glycemic control among T2D patients, leading to a more diverse population of beneficial gut bacteria than the specific diets previously mentioned.
The present review appears to provide further evidence of an earlier study by Houghton et al. (27), a systematic review evaluating the effectiveness of dietary interventions on the gut microbiota and glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Houghton et al. found a significant reduction in HbA1c and no significant changes in FBG or HOMA-IR in patients after dietary intervention. In terms of the gut microbiota, there were significant changes in diversity matrices (α and β) and the Firmicutes: Bacteroidetes ratios, but no significant changes in the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium spp. However, the present review builds on that study by updating the intervention studies of the last few years and analyzing subgroups according to nutritional characteristics, culminating in further results on the gut microbiota.
In comparison to the healthy population, patients with T2DM present a diminished abundance and diversity of gut microbiota, specifically lacking in butyrate-producing bacteria (e.g., Ruminococcus, Subdoligranulum, Eubacterium, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Roseburia) and bacteria inversely associated with inflammation (Bacteroides, Prevotella, Akkermansia, and Bifidobacterium) (28). Noteworthy, changes in the gut microbiota appear to precede alterations in the standard biomarker of type 2 diabetes, HbA1c (17). The consumption of a Western-style diet, characterized by elevated levels of refined sugars, carbohydrates, saturated fatty acids, and animal proteins, coupled with a low dietary fiber intake, correlates with inflammation, metabolic disease, and T2DM (29). Remarkable traits of the Western-style diet-associated gut microbiota include an upsurge in protein-metabolizing bacteria (e.g., Bacillus and Aspergillus), saturated fat-metabolizing bacteria (e.g., Bacillus spp.), and a substantial reduction in fiber-degrading bacteria (e.g., Faecalibacterium and Lachnospira) (30, 31). Following the consumption of red meat, the gut microbiota ferments its constituent choline, carnitine, betaine, and lecithin, resulting in the synthesis of trimethylamine (TMA). Subsequently, the liver further metabolizes TMA to trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) (32). A study demonstrated that TMAO impairs glucose tolerance, elevates HOMA-IR and fasting insulin levels in mice fed a high-fat diet, inducing adipose tissue inflammation and blocking insulin signaling (33). Furthermore, a case-control study revealed a positive correlation between increased plasma TMAO levels and heightened risk of T2DM (34). Therefore, adopting a rational and effective dietary pattern stands as a powerful means to augment gut microbiota diversity, while balancing its composition and metabolism in patients with T2DM.
Dietary interventions examined in this review exhibited a significant impact on the diversity of the gut microbiota. Various interventions, such as low-energy, low-carbohydrate, low-fat, and high-fiber Ma-Pi 2 diets, were found to notably increase alpha diversity. Moreover, the Mediterranean diet and ketogenic diet demonstrated a significant increase in beta diversity of the gut microbiota. Notably, several studies indicated a strong association between bacterial fluctuations resulting from dietary interventions and improved metabolic pathways, including the degradation pathways of limonene and ethylbenzene, glycosaminoglycan, and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis (12, 16, 18).
Importantly, the majority of dietary interventions significantly modify the composition of the gut microbiota, with some of the altered flora closely linked to human metabolic function. Specifically, high-fiber Ma-Pi 2 diets, high dietary fiber diet, high-fiber low-energy diet, and Mediterranean diet, all belonging to high dietary fiber categories, upregulated the relative abundance of Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Akkermansia, and Bifidobacterium. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, a major SCFA (such as acetic and butyric acid) producer in the human intestine, notably enhances insulin sensitivity and ameliorates T2DM (35). Additionally, numerous Firmicutes members, including Lachnospira, Pseudobutyrivibrio, Clostridium leptum, Roseburia, and Faecalibacterium, possess robust SCFA-producing capabilities (36). SCFA stimulates insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells by stimulating the release of glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) and casein (PPY) from intestinal L-cells and reduces inflammation levels by inhibiting indole- and hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria (13, 37, 38).
However, the majority of bacterial strains commonly found in today's probiotic supplements do not possess the ability to produce butyrate. This limitation stems from the fact that most butyrate-producing bacteria are highly anaerobic and perish rapidly upon exposure to oxygen. In contrast, direct administration of butyrate can be absorbed by the stomach (36). While it is not possible to directly supplement butyrate-producing bacteria or butyrate itself, it is feasible to nourish butyric acid bacteria within the gut through dietary intake. This indirect approach facilitates an increase in the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria and stimulates their substantial production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The consumption of dietary fiber represents the optimal means of augmenting SCFA-producing bacteria. Dietary fiber predominantly encompasses cellulose, resistant starch, pectin, inulin, and oligosaccharides, with whole grains, legumes, nuts, vegetables, and fruits constituting major food sources.
Secondly, Akkermansia muciniphila (A. Muciniphila) has been the subject of increasing research due to its diminished abundance in patients with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and neurological disorders (39, 40). A. Muciniphila may stimulate increased levels of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) through protein P9 on the outer membrane, thereby promoting insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells and suppressing appetite, ultimately improving T2DM and obesity (41). The most effective approach to enhancing A. Muciniphila abundance in the gut involves consuming foods rich in polyphenols and fish oil, alongside a dietary fiber intake (42). Notably, polyphenols act as antioxidants, combating oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, while also improving insulin resistance. Foods such as flax seeds, rye bread, walnuts, cranberries, blueberries, and green tea are abundant sources of dietary polyphenols (43). Additionally, fish such as sardines and salmon not only provide fish oil (DHA) but also serve as excellent sources of high-quality protein (44). Our study revealed that a high dietary, low-energy regimen enriched with polyphenols and plant proteins, as designed by Medina-Vera et al. (15), resulted in a 125% increase in A. Muciniphila abundance, a 65% decrease in its endotoxin (LSP) concentration, and a significant enhancement of plasma antioxidant activity. Furthermore, Bifidobacterium is extensively utilized in fermented dairy products as one of the most prevalent probiotics for promoting healthy intestinal function in humans (45), while Bacteroides fragilis exhibits a robust capacity for the extensive breakdown of dietary fiber polysaccharides and host glycans (15).
We observed a decline in Prevotella abundance in two high dietary fiber-based diets (14, 15), with a 13% reduction in Prevotella copri specifically in the high dietary fiber low-energy diet. Similarly, an animal study (46) and a population intervention trial (47) demonstrated an association between Prevotella copri and insulin resistance. Conversely, numerous clinical trials have consistently reported an elevation in Prevotella abundance following high dietary fiber interventions (48–51). Moreover, one study revealed the potential benefits of Prevotella copri in host metabolism, suggesting its utility as an indicator of postprandial glucose metabolism (52). Nevertheless, the precise effects of Prevotella on human health and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Potential factors contributing to this discrepancy include inter-individual variability in species and strain-level composition of Prevotella within the gut and variations in dietary patterns (53). Thus, the prevailing explanation is that higher diversity of Prevotella spp. species corresponds to a greater fermentative capacity, yielding greater benefits for human health (53).
In addition to dietary fiber and polyphenols, the gut microbiota play a vital role in lipid metabolism, encompassing lipid conversion, synthesis, breakdown of dietary lipids, and generation of host-regulated secondary metabolites (54). The Mediterranean diet, rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) abundant in fish, is strongly linked to improved T2DM outcomes (55). n-3 PUFA exhibit anti-inflammatory properties by reducing the Lachnospiraceae/Firmicutes ratio and enhancing Lachnospiraceae, thereby interacting with the gut microbiota to suppress inflammation. These effects are particularly attributed to the reduction of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-producing bacteria and the increase in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria (56, 57). However, the three studies (17, 18, 20) included in this paper, which explored dietary interventions enriched in n-3 PUFA (Mediterranean diet and sardine diet), did not consistently demonstrate alterations in gut microbiota composition, suggesting incomplete correlation with reported results of gut microbiota changes.
Regarding the reduced branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) diet, this paper only includes one study (21). The findings indicate that compared to a full BCAA diet, reduced BCAA intake leads to increased postprandial insulin sensitivity, improved gut microbiota composition, and enhanced white adipose tissue metabolism. BCAA, an essential amino acid synthesized by the gut microbiota, has emerged as a biomarker for insulin resistance (58). However, a two-way Mendelian randomization study demonstrated a causal association between insulin resistance and higher BCAA levels, whereas higher BCAA levels were not causally associated with insulin resistance (59).
In summary, the gut microbiota and their metabolites serve as potential mediators between diet and T2DM metabolism (Figure 4). This pivotal connection was also demonstrated in the context of a mediation analysis pertaining to personalized dietary interventions (23), where alterations in the gut microbiome composition elucidated 12.25% of the variations observed in serum metabolites. A Western diet, positively associated with T2DM, promotes impaired glucose tolerance by fostering the growth of saturated fatty acid-metabolizing bacteria and triggering the secretion of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), ultimately elevating the risk of T2DM. Conversely, diets negatively associated with T2DM promotes insulin secretion and improves insulin resistance by increasing SCFA-producing bacteria and decreasing H2S- and LPS-producing bacteria.
Figure 4. The gut microbiota and its metabolites may act as a mediator between diet and metabolism in patients with T2DM. (↑indicates increase, ↓indicates decrease).
The human gut microbiota is intricately associated with dietary patterns and influenced by confounding factors such as age, race, gender, geography, and socioeconomic variables (60). Furthermore, it can be substantially impacted by different disease stages and treatment medications (60, 61). A Meta-analysis that included 27 studies (62) showed that age is an important factor influencing the diversity, composition and functional characteristics of the gut microbiota, and in particular, beta diversity varies significantly across developmental stages.
The growing recognition of the gut microbiome's predictive capacity for human health necessitates its incorporation as a foundation for personalized health management indicators (63). Moreover, diet-microbiota interactions underpin the advancement of precision nutrition, where the gut microbiota composition emerges as a critical factor in determining responses to dietary interventions (64). Therefore, by integrating gut microbiomics and metabolomics with robust data analysis, machine learning algorithms can aid in devising personalized diets that offer more effective guidance for the prevention and management of T2DM through nutritional interventions (65). This paper includes a study featuring a personalized diet intervention designed by Meleshko et al. (22), which tailored the diet based on the individuals' gut microbiota status, immune responses, and biochemical parameters among T2DM patients. The results showed significant improvements in blood glucose levels, lipid profiles, and inflammatory markers, along with notable reductions in metabolism-related detrimental bacteria (e.g., Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, lac+, and Candida spp.). Shoer et al. (23) found that personalized diets had greater beneficial effects on glycemic control, gut microbiota and metabolites than the Mediterranean diet.
Nevertheless, there are several current challenges and issues associated with employing precision nutrition for disease prevention and management. These include the high cost of histological techniques, the complexity of study design methods, the analysis and interpretation of high-dimensional data, and result reproducibility (66, 67). In the face of these challenges, future research efforts should prioritize rigorous and rational study designs, cost reduction of histological technique analyses, and the development of algorithms capable of handling high-dimensional big data from diverse sources (67).
6 Advantages and limitations
To our knowledge, this is the inaugural meta-analysis and systematic review designed to categorize dietary interventions based on their nutritional attributes, aiming to evaluate their efficacy in ameliorating the gut microbiota and metabolic profiles of individuals with T2DM. This approach holds broader instructive value for individuals in their daily dietary choices. Additionally, we elucidate the intermediary role of the gut microbiota and its metabolites in bridging dietary patterns and T2DM. In this context, as different diets influence the gut microbiota, they subsequently leverage various pathways to enhance the metabolic status of T2DM patients. We should note that our scope of interventions excludes isolated nutritional supplements and probiotic interventions. The inclusion of probiotics, considered beneficial bacteria, could directly interfere with the impact of dietary interventions on the gut microbiota. Moreover, nutritional supplements are not commonly integrated into individuals' daily dietary habits.
However, it is imperative to acknowledge that our meta-analysis incorporated a substantial degree of heterogeneity, primarily attributed to the variance in the methodologies employed for dietary interventions. Additionally, patient age, variations in disease progression, intervention duration combined with medication usage, and the limited sample sizes within the studies could potentially obscure the genuine alterations in gut microbiota and metabolic markers. It is pertinent to mention that the relatively limited number of meta-analyses focusing on gut microbiota is due to the scarcity of specific gut microbiota-related variables accessible for complete experimental and control groups. In certain instances, studies solely compared changes between the intervention and baseline levels, further contributing to this scarcity.
7 Conclusion and prospect
Regarding specific dietary patterns, a high dietary fiber regimen led to a noteworthy reduction in FBG, HbA1c, and total cholesterol levels while augmenting the prevalence of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria. The high-fat and low-carbohydrate diet was particularly effective in lowering HbA1c levels, and a low-fat, low-carbohydrate diet exhibited significant reductions in FBG, HOMA-IR, BMI, and waist circumference. Notably, individualized dietary strategies demonstrated superior efficacy in blood glucose management among T2D patients when compared to predefined dietary patterns. This approach also fostered a greater diversity of beneficial gut bacteria.
In summary, diverse dietary interventions can enhance metabolic profiles by positively influencing the gut microbiota, consequently leading to improvements in metabolic parameters among individuals with T2D.
Consequently, future clinical investigations are warranted to comprehensively explore the effects of dietary modalities on the gut microbiota of T2DM patients, as well as establish connections between alterations in the gut microbiota and changes in T2DM-associated biochemical markers. In forthcoming studies, it is imperative to consider appropriate sample sizes, extend intervention durations, and continuously monitor the dynamics of the gut microbiota and its metabolites. Additionally, it is essential to move beyond bacterial classification and perform functional group analyses of functionally similar microorganisms when studying the gut microbiota. Regarding dietary interventions, apart from commonly studied patterns such as the Mediterranean diet, high-fiber diets, and low-energy diets, future investigations should embrace personalized and tailored approaches based on individual variations in gut microbiota characteristics, immune and biochemical indicators, disease stage, and drug response diversity.
Data availability statement
The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/Supplementary material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.
Author contributions
Conceptualization: XX and HX. Methodology: XX, FZ, JR, HZ, CJ, MW, and YJ. Validation: XX, FZ, and JR. Formal analysis and writing—original draft preparation: XX. Writing—review and editing: XX, HX, FZ, JR, HZ, CJ, MW, and YJ. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding
This study was supported by Humanities and Social Sciences Planning Fund Project of the Ministry of Education of China (No. 15YJAZH085).
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
Publisher's note
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Supplementary material
The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1243095/full#supplementary-material
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Keywords: type 2 diabetes, dietary intervention, gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids, systematic review
Citation: Xu X, Zhang F, Ren J, Zhang H, Jing C, Wei M, Jiang Y and Xie H (2024) Dietary intervention improves metabolic levels in patients with type 2 diabetes through the gut microbiota: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front. Nutr. 10:1243095. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1243095
Received: 20 June 2023; Accepted: 18 December 2023;
Published: 08 January 2024.
Edited by:
Philippe Gérard, Institut National de recherche pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement (INRAE), FranceReviewed by:
Athanasia K. Papazafiropoulou, Tzaneio Hospital, GreeceJi Youn Yoo, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, United States
Copyright © 2024 Xu, Zhang, Ren, Zhang, Jing, Wei, Jiang and Xie. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Hong Xie, xh@bbmc.edu.cn