Microbiome analysis is coming soon to a doctor near you. Microgenomics is going to be part of nearly everyone’s future. This week Nature magazine published an article which indicates that at least part of the action of the anti-diabetic medication Metformin may be occurring via the microbiome. At the least
there is a dramatic difference between the gut microbiota between those with type 2 diabetes (T2D) treated with Metformin (T2D-Metformin+)and those not treated (T2D-Metformin-).
The article has an excellent discussion both of the direct effects of Metformin and the indirect effects and potential interactions of various gut bacteria
Reference:
Forslund, K., et al. (2015). “Disentangling type 2 diabetes and metformin treatment signatures in the human gut microbiota.” Nature advance online publication. Accessed Dec. 2, 2015