Endocrine Abstracts

Hypothesis: Some trials has been done on the use of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotcs for better glycaemic control in type 1 diabetes mellitus, but their findings are conflicting. A previous systematic review conducted on this topic did not include adult patients or more recently published trials; this review aims to address this research gap.

Methods: After searching MEDLINE, EMBASE and COCHRANE databases, seven trials were included in the trial. A meta-analysis was conducted on HbA1c differences at three and six months respectively. Data on other measures of glycaemic control are presented narratively.

Results: Probiotic use resulted in a non-significant decrease in HbA1c at three months (-1.23; 95% CI -4.28, 1.81) and at six months. (-0.18; 95% CI -1.12;0.75).

Conclusion: Currently, the results do not suggest that probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics should be used as an adjuvant treatment for glycaemic control in T1DM. More into probiotic strains, doses and intervention length are necessary before further suggestions can be made.