Supplemental treatment options for diabetes: how flavanol metabolites improve β‐cell function

Abstract

Diabetes is one of the fastest growing non‐infectious diseases in the world. Current treatments are composed of pharmaceutical agents that enhance insulin sensitivity and eventual insulin monotherapy. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin insensitivity of peripheral tissue, glucose intolerance, and β‐cell dysfunction. Dietary interventions may benefit patients with diabetes, and various plant derived flavonoids have been shown to exert anti‐diabetic effects. While these flavonoids are large, difficult to absorb, and rarely found in circulation, gut bacteria metabolize these into smaller metabolites which can be observed in circulation. We hypothesize that these gut bacteria derived flavanoid metabolites are absorbed and have direct effects on β‐cell function. Male outbred wistar rats were fed one of three diets in the presence or absence of antibiotic treatment: standard diet, standard diet supplemented with catechin hydrate and epicatechin, or standard diet supplemented with grape seed extract. Total urine was collected from the animals (representing the total amount of absorbed metabolites), then metabolites were extracted and reconstituted in water. Here we present data regarding the in vitro effects of these absorbed gut bacteria derived flavanoids on INS‐1 832/13 β‐cell insulin secretion and proliferation. This study sheds further light on the potential ability of flavanoids and their gut bacteria derived metabolites to enhance functional β‐cell mass.