Researchers May Have Found a Natural Substitute for Ozempic
Scientists may have uncovered a natural way to regulate blood sugar and curb sugar cravings, potentially offering an alternative to drugs like Ozempic.
In both mice and humans, researchers have identified a gut microbe and its metabolites – the substances produced during digestion – as the key to activating this natural process.
Boosting Gut Microbes to Trigger GLP-1 Secretio
By boosting the abundance of a specific gut microbe in diabetic mice, a team led by Jiangnan University in China demonstrated that they could trigger the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels and regulate satiety.The body naturally produces GLP-1, and certain foods and gut microbes stimulate it, while medications like semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, mimic its action.
In people with type 2 diabetes, impaired GLP-1 function often leads to challenges with blood sugar control. This is why GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic, are effective treatments.
Although these drugs have proven to be highly effective, some researchers are exploring ways to encourage the body to produce more GLP-1 on its own.
Gut Signals and Their Role in Food Cravings
Additionally, some studies in humans indicate that individuals with genetic variants affecting FGF21 levels are about 20% more likely to have strong preferences for sweet foods.
In a blood analysis of 60 participants with type 2 diabetes and 24 healthy controls, the Chinese researchers identified that Ffar4 mutations, which reduce FGF21 production, are linked to increased sugar cravings and may contribute to the development of diabetes.
Furthermore, the gut microbiome may play a key role in this process.
Impact of GLP-1 Agonists on FGF21 Production
The research team found that treating mice with a metabolite of B. vulgatus increased GLP-1 secretion, which also triggered the release of FGF21.
As a result, the mice experienced better blood sugar control and reduced sugar cravings.
While it remains to be seen if this will apply to humans, the researchers suggest that their findings offer a potential strategy to prevent diabetes.
Read the original article on: Science Alert
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