A new study published in Diabetes shows that differences in gut microbial interactions (rather than bacterial diversity) are a key factor in the development of early type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Researchers from the Helmholtz Federation in Germany collected early gut microbes from stool samples from 298 children in the BABYDIET study every 3 months for 3 years. The microorganisms were analyzed using deep sequencing of the 16s rRNA gene and compared to 22 children who developed islet cell autoimmunity phenomena (an indicator of T1DM latency) later in life and matched controls. Studies compared bacterial diversity, composition and abundance, and accounted for variables such as breastfeeding, solid food and method of consumption. Bacterial interaction networks were estimated based on positive correlations of the abundance of different species of bacteria. Bacterial diversity, colony composition and abundance did not differ between the two groups. However, at six months and 2 years, the bacterial interaction network in the composition of the gut microbiota of seroconverted children changed when compared with the control group. Our findings suggest that the microbial community is less able to adapt to changes in the intestinal environment,” said Wolfgang Castell, co-author of the study. At the same time, there are strong indications that these patterns of action are unchanged over time.