Antibiotic use in infancy linked to diabetes risk Study finds critical microbial role

New research sheds light on how early microbial exposure can shape diabetes risk, with potential for future treatments. According to SciTechDaily, a study in mice reveals that the infant microbiome plays a crucial role in the development of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The research uncovers how exposure to beneficial bacteria can promote pancreatic health and even reverse damage to insulin-producing cells.

A recent study highlights the critical role of the infant microbiome in preventing diabetes later in life. Researchers found that antibiotics given during a crucial developmental window in infancy could disrupt the growth of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, potentially increasing the risk of Type 1 diabetes.

The research, published in Science, shows that the infant microbiome—comprising bacteria and fungi—helps stimulate the growth of pancreatic beta cells during early development. Jennifer Hill, lead author of the study and assistant professor at CU’s BioFrontiers Institute, explained that the findings emphasize the importance of microbial exposure in the early stages of life. Hill hopes that this discovery could eventually lead to new ways of preventing or even reversing diabetes using microbes.

The study in mice found that exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics at a key developmental period (the equivalent of 7-12 months in human infants) led to reduced insulin-producing cells, higher blood sugar, and metabolic issues in adulthood. Conversely, when researchers introduced specific microbes, such as the fungus Candida dubliniensis, to the mice, they saw a boost in beta cell production and improved insulin function.

Notably, Candida dubliniensis was present in human infants during this specific period, suggesting that microbes play an essential role in the development of insulin-producing cells. When newborn mice were given fecal samples from healthy infants, their beta cells expanded, proving the direct impact of microbes on pancreatic development.

While the research is still in its early stages, it offers hope for future treatments where targeted microbes or supplements could replace the beneficial bacteria lost during antibiotic use, helping to prevent or even reverse diabetes. Hill and her team envision using these findings to create treatments that repair damaged pancreas cells and reduce the risks of metabolic disorders in the future.