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Gut Bacteria Can Control Diabetes

Posted by samzenpus on from the with-a-little-help-from-my-little-friends dept.

Shipud writes "Insulin resistance is the harbinger of metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance is when the body cannot use insulin effectively. As a result, blood sugar and fat levels rise. Therein lies the path to morbid obesity, diabetes, stroke, and heart problems. A group of Brazilian researchers have taken a strain of mice normally known to be immune to insulin resistance, and made them insulin resistant (pre-diabetic) by changing their gut bacteria. They then gave the mice antibiotics, and by changing their gut bacteria again, reversed the process, curing them of the disease. Their research shows just how influential the bacteria living in our gut can be on our health."

4 of 271 comments (clear)

  1. I have a gut feeling about this. by sgt+scrub · · Score: 2, Funny

    Insert spam for gut bacteria pills that cure diabetes here.

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    Having to work for a living is the root of all evil.
  2. Re:first principles by ColdWetDog · · Score: 5, Funny

    Maybe it's just me but the obvious question would seem to be: what causes insulin resistance in the first place?

    Voltage(insulin) / Current(insulin) ??

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    Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!
  3. Re:Find it, eat it by blueturffan · · Score: 5, Funny

    Google fecal transplant. It's a real thing.

    And I thought Google Wave was a bad idea. I don't care how many invites I get, I'm not trying Google Fecal Transplant.

  4. Re:so by daremonai · · Score: 5, Funny

    They would pretty much have to be administered by snaking a tube up there a good 2-3 feet. Which need not be such a horrifying thought..

    I disagree. This needs to remain a horrifying thought.