METABOLIC PARAMETERS IN TYPE 2 DIABETIC PATIENTS WITH POSITIVE CANDIDA CULTURES

Abstract

The gut microbiota plays an important role in host metabolism, immunity, digestibility and even behaviour. Candida spec. is common resident of the gastrointestinal tract and integral part of the microbiota. The aim of the study was to evaluate if positive Candida cultures in the stool influence metabolic parameters in type 2DM patients. 46 patients with type 2 DM and oral antidiabetic treatment, were divided into a study group (S=18 patients with positive Candida sp. cultures in stool) and the control group (C= remaining 28 patients). Besides medical history and clinical examination, all patients were tested for coproculture, fasting glycaemia (FPG), HbA1C, total cholesterol (CL) triglycerides (TG), high- density lipoproteins (HDL) and low- density lipoproteins (LDL). Study group patients had a significantly higher BMI (31.41 ± 5.29 vs. 25.18 ± 3.58; p<0.001); HbA1C (9.8 % ± 1.74 vs 6.9% ± 1.89; p<0.05) as well as FPG (10.87 ± 1.35 vs 7.47 ± 1.03; p<0.01), compared to the control group. Even though the study group patients had higher TG, CL, LDL and HDL, compared to the control group, there was no statistical significance verified. Uncontrolled glucoregulation is one of the host condition which favours candida colonization and subsequent infection. This may be related to the decrease in commensal bacteria, probably as the result of yeast-bacterial competition. On the other hand, we have to keep in mindthat a significantly increased number of Candida colonies can affect the rate of digestion and absorption of carbohydrates and consequently increase the level of glycaemia in patients with diabetes.