Microbiologists at the University of Iowa recently published an article in the journal mBio stating that type 2 diabetes may be caused by bacteria, and that antimicrobial drugs and vaccines will hopefully be used in the fight against type 2 diabetes. BioTalk reports: In addition to infectious diseases, bacteria and viruses cause a number of other diseases, such as cervical cancer (human papillomavirus) and stomach ulcers (Helicobacter pylori). Microbiologists at the University of Iowa recently published an article in the journal mBio stating that type 2 diabetes may also be caused by bacteria, and that antimicrobial drugs and vaccines will hopefully be used in the fight against type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is characterized by elevated blood glucose, insulin secretion or dysfunction resulting in metabolic disorders caused by glucose metabolism disorder. In recent years, the number of type 2 diabetes patients has climbed dramatically worldwide, and the incidence of diabetes in China has also entered a period of rapid growth since 2000. Prof. Patrick Schlievert led a team of researchers who found that sustained exposure to toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus (staph) caused rabbits to develop the hallmark symptoms of type 2 diabetes, including insulin resistance, glucose intolerance and systemic inflammation. “The rabbits were simply exposed to the superantigen of S. aureus for a long period of time, and as a result they developed type 2 diabetes,” Schlievert said. Eradicating S. aureus or neutralizing the superantigen through treatment would be a potential way to prevent and treat type 2 diabetes, the researchers noted. Obesity is known to be an important risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and it alters the body’s microbiome. “We found that as weight increases, the surface of human skin becomes increasingly susceptible to occupation by S. aureus,” Schlievert said. “Such individuals are chronically exposed to superantigens produced by the bacteria.” Superantigen is a toxin produced by S. aureus that interferes with the immune system to cause fatal infections such as toxic shock syndrome, sepsis and endocarditis. (Read more: The Lancet: ‘Father of DNA’ proposes disruptive diabetes theory) The researchers found that superantigens also interact with fat cells and the immune system to cause chronic systemic inflammation. This inflammation leads to several hallmark symptoms of type 2 diabetes, including insulin resistance. They analyzed the levels of Staphylococcus aureus on the skin of four people with diabetes. The study showed that these individuals were exposed to a dose of superantigen comparable to that which triggered diabetes in rabbits. “We have found new ways to stop and change the course of diabetes,” Schlievert said. “We are developing a vaccine against the superantigen that we hope will stop the progression of type 2 diabetes.” The researchers also intend to use a topical gel to kill Staphylococcus aureus on the skin to see if the practice improves blood sugar levels in pre-diabetics. What the study proves: gastric bypass surgery can improve the microbiota in diabetic patients, leading to better glucose reduction. Diabetes is inextricably linked to the body’s microbiome, but further research is needed to have more convincing results. However, the microbiome can also be altered in patients who lose weight. Obviously obese patients who initially have type 2 diabetes can have their blood glucose lowered, or even their blood glucose normalized, by losing weight. Many of my patients have regained their health after weight loss, and many diabetics can get off medication to maintain their blood sugar. That said, pancreatic damage is irreversible, and those patients will need to pay more attention to their diet in the future.