The connection between gut health and diabetes: What you need to know
August 19, 2025By: Melissa Zalonis
Categories: Diabetes
Tags: Diabetes
For most people living with diabetes, managing blood sugar and diet is the daily norm. But there’s another piece of the puzzle gaining attention in the medical world — and we have a gut feeling you’re going to want to hear about it.
Recent research highlighted by Medical News Today uncovers a fascinating link between gut health and both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The germs in your gut do more than digest food. They may hold clues to preventing or managing diabetes more effectively. This emerging connection is changing how we understand and approach the disease.
Why does my gut health matter?
Inside your digestive system lives a thriving community of trillions of bacteria known as your gut microbiome. These tiny organisms are essential for digestion, metabolism and immune health.
Recent advances in gut microbiome research have highlighted its importance in predicting health. A team of Mayo Clinic researchers developed the Gut Microbiome Wellness Index 2 (GMWI2), a tool that uses gut bacteria profiles to estimate overall health and provide early detection for a range of chronic diseases. GMWI2 distinguishes between healthy and non-healthy individuals, with between 80% and 90% accuracy. It also provides fresh insights into how diet, antibiotics and microbiome transplants affect gut health.
Currently, GMWI2 is an open-source tool designed for researchers with bioinformatics expertise. Looking ahead, the vision is to make gut health scoring more accessible, allowing people to send stool samples to specialized labs and receive personalized gut wellness reports.
So, what does this mean if I have diabetes?
When your gut microbiome is healthy and diverse, it helps keep blood sugar levels stable. The gut microbiome helps break down food, produces important vitamins and regulates inflammation — all of which play a role in how our bodies respond to insulin. Some gut bacteria even produce compounds that help improve how cells absorb glucose.
But when the gut microbiome is out of balance, it can lead to insulin resistance and other complications, such as inflammation and elevated blood sugar levels. That means taking care of your gut isn’t just good for digestion — it could be an essential tool to help you manage diabetes.
If my gut plays a vital role in my overall health, what can I do about it?
The good news is, you don’t have to overhaul your life to make a difference. Small, thoughtful changes to your daily habits can go a long way in supporting a healthier gut and, by extension, better blood sugar control. It's not about perfection; it's about progress.
Here are a few gut-friendly habits to get you started:
- Eat more fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains.
- Incorporate fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut.
- Limit excessive sugar and processed foods.
- Manage stress, which can disrupt the gut microbiome.
Researchers are still uncovering all the ways gut health and diabetes are connected. However, the early findings are hopeful, and they suggest that even small changes can support your gut, metabolism and overall well-being.
Where can I get expert support for my gut health and managing diabetes?
As science continues to explore this microbial frontier, one thing’s becoming clear: when it comes to managing diabetes, trust your gut. Speak with one of our diabetes educators at NKC Health, who are here to guide you with expertise and compassion. Schedule an appointment with your doctor or speak with a diabetes educator at NKC Health.
