Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), a treatment that involves consuming fecal matter from a healthy donor, has been used for decades to treat various conditions, from ulcerative colitis to autism. Now, thanks to recent research from Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark, diabetes may soon be added to the list of conditions that could be treated with medical-grade poop.
The study focused on people with type 1 diabetes (T1D), a condition that often brings gastrointestinal (GI) issues as a side effect. Researchers discovered that individuals with T1D and digestive problems might find relief by ingesting FMT pills, which help balance the gut microbiome.
The pills are filled with donated fecal matter, which, while sounding unappealing, is designed to repopulate the gut with beneficial bacteria. Studies have already shown that people with T1D have a different gut microbiome compared to non-diabetic individuals, and this imbalance might be contributing to worsened diabetes symptoms.
In this trial, 20 individuals with T1D who experienced moderate to severe gastrointestinal distress were given either FMT pills or a placebo. The regimen involved taking 25 pills of donor feces, or placebo pills, and the results were promising. Those who received the FMT pills reported significant improvements in their GI symptoms compared to the placebo group. The change was measured using the Patient Assessment of Gastrointestinal Symptom Severity Index, a standardized questionnaire.
After the treatment, the FMT group’s median symptom scores dropped from 42 to 25, while the placebo group’s scores decreased slightly from 47 to 41. No major side effects were observed, and participants experienced positive changes in their gut microbiome.
In a follow-up round, all participants were given FMT pills, including those who had originally received the placebo, and their symptoms improved in line with the first FMT group. This study highlights the potential benefits of FMT for people with T1D, particularly for those dealing with digestive issues.
While the idea of “eating poop” may seem strange, this treatment could offer a novel and effective solution to help manage diabetes symptoms by restoring balance to the gut microbiome.
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