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Writer's picture Bowie Matteson

Butyrate and the Short Chain Fatty Acids: Gut Health for Type 1 Diabetes

Updated: Oct 12

We've all learned that we're consciously or unconsciously cultivating our own farm of microbes within our guts. They are our dynamic brew of internal renters helping us digest foods, fight pathogens and maintain our health. We offer a nutritious place to live, they ensure everything runs smoothly. From mother's milk to the soil residues, fermented foods and the fruits and veggies we eat, all play a part in building our belly's homestead.


Given our current health situations and with our current (and ever expanding) appreciation for how influential our gut health is on just about every other body system, we hear and feel our guts crying for help. We introduce new microbes (probiotics). We improve the quality of food they eat (prebiotics). So what are some helpful insights when it comes to maximizing the work we're doing for our microscopic buddies?


For those with type 1 diabetes, it is especially helpful to know the specific products of a healthy microbiome in order to deliver the proper ingredients. And you’ve probably heard a lot about gut health lately, but much of the rhetoric is limited in its scope. How many of us have taken probiotics for a stretch, never to really feel like we're getting the maximum benefit?


What Are Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)?

Did you know that the bacteria in your gut produce special compounds that could impact your overall well-being? One group of these important compounds is called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These tiny molecules are made when your gut bacteria break down certain types of fiber from the foods you eat.


Think of SCFAs as the byproducts of a healthy gut “factory” — when you feed your gut the right ingredients (fiber), it produces SCFAs, which help keep the gut lining strong and healthy. The most important SCFAs are butyrate, acetate, and propionate**, and each of them plays a unique role in your health.


** The other SCFAs are isobutyrate, valerate, isovalerate and 2-methylbutaonate.


Why SCFAs Matter for Type 1 Diabetes

You might wonder what all this has to do with Type 1 diabetes. Well, it turns out that the health of your gut is deeply connected to your immune system and your ability to manage blood sugar. Since Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, keeping your gut in balance could play a part in how your immune system behaves.


Research is now exploring how SCFAs, especially butyrate, could help reduce inflammation in the body and support better blood sugar control. Even though this research is still developing, the idea is that by improving your gut health, you may be able to support your overall health, including how well you manage diabetes.


Several studies have found a connection between gut microbiome imbalances and Type 1 diabetes:

  • Lower Diversity in the Gut: Research has shown that individuals with Type 1 diabetes often have less diverse gut bacteria compared to people without the condition. A 2014 study in the journal Diabetes found that children with newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes had a reduced variety of beneficial bacteria, including those responsible for producing SCFAs like butyrate.

  • Leaky Gut and Immune Response: Dysbiosis can lead to a weakened gut lining, a condition sometimes referred to as leaky gut. When the gut lining becomes more permeable, harmful substances like toxins and bacteria can "leak" into the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and an overactive immune response. This increased immune activity may contribute to the onset or progression of autoimmune conditions like Type 1 diabetes .


Gut Microbiome and Insulin Sensitivity

Though Type 1 diabetes is not caused by insulin resistance (as in Type 2 diabetes), there is still interest in how gut health might influence insulin sensitivity and overall glucose metabolism. Some research suggests that certain gut bacteria and the SCFAs they produce could enhance the body's ability to use insulin more efficiently, which may help maintain stable blood sugar levels.

  • Butyrate and Glucose Metabolism: A 2019 study found that butyrate supplementation improved insulin sensitivity in animal models, suggesting that it could also play a role in glucose metabolism for people with Type 1 diabetes .


Gut Bacteria as Early Markers for Type 1 Diabetes

Interestingly, changes in the gut microbiome might even serve as early markers for Type 1 diabetes. A study published in Cell in 2015 tracked gut microbiome development in infants genetically predisposed to Type 1 diabetes. The researchers found that, in those who later developed the condition, there was a significant drop in the diversity of gut bacteria before the onset of the disease, indicating that the gut microbiome could offer clues to predicting the risk of Type 1 diabetes.


What Is Butyrate?

Now that we’ve introduced the gut’s microscopic party (a.k.a. your microbiome), let’s meet one of the VIPs of that event: butyrate. Butyrate is a special type of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) produced when certain good bacteria feast on fiber from your diet. It’s kind of like the energy drink for the cells lining your gut, keeping everything running smoothly and preventing any unwanted gatecrashers (inflammation, we’re looking at you).



The Role of Butyrate in the Gut

So, what does butyrate actually do? Imagine your gut lining as a wall protecting your digestive system. Butyrate helps maintain this wall by nourishing the cells that form it. When your gut wall is strong and intact, it prevents harmful substances from leaking into your bloodstream — something known as leaky gut.


Think of butyrate as the bodyguard for your gut lining, keeping things secure and preventing inflammation, which is one of the key factors in many chronic diseases, including complications related to diabetes. In simple terms, butyrate helps keep the party under control so that no one gets out of hand!


Studies suggest that increasing butyrate production in the gut may have a positive impact on Type 1 diabetes management:

  • Immune Modulation: Butyrate helps regulate the immune system by increasing the production of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are essential for maintaining immune tolerance and preventing the immune system from attacking its own cells. A 2015 study published in Nature highlighted how butyrate and other SCFAs promote the development of Tregs, potentially reducing autoimmune activity .

  • Reduced Inflammation: As mentioned earlier, butyrate has anti-inflammatory properties. This is particularly relevant in Type 1 diabetes, where ongoing low-grade inflammation can contribute to complications. By improving gut barrier integrity and reducing systemic inflammation, butyrate may help manage these risks .


Strains of bacteria with the highest butyrate producing abilities:

  1. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii

    • One of the most abundant butyrate producers in the human gut, F. prausnitzii is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is often reduced in inflammatory bowel diseases.

  2. Roseburia spp.

    • This genus, including species like Roseburia intestinalis, is highly effective in producing butyrate and is associated with a healthy gut microbiota.

  3. Eubacterium rectale

    • E. rectale is a significant butyrate producer and plays a vital role in fiber fermentation. It is commonly found in the colonic microbiota of healthy individuals.

  4. Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens

    • Often found in the gastrointestinal tracts of herbivores, B. fibrisolvens is known for its ability to ferment dietary fibers and produce butyrate.

  5. Clostridium butyricum

    • This species is well-documented for its butyrate production and has been studied for its probiotic properties and potential therapeutic benefits.

  6. Lactobacillus spp.

    • Certain strains, particularly Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus plantarum, can produce butyrate, although their primary fermentation products are usually lactic acid.

  7. Bifidobacterium spp.

    • While not all bifidobacteria produce butyrate, some strains can contribute to butyrate production indirectly by fermenting other substrates that feed butyrate-producing bacteria.


Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Butyrate doesn’t just protect your gut lining; it’s also a master at calming down inflammation. It’s like the soothing DJ that keeps everyone mellow, balancing out immune responses when they get a little too overzealous. For people with Type 1 diabetes, this is particularly important. Since Type 1 diabetes is so closely tied to a high inflammatory state, butyrate and its benefits for gut health make managing inflammation possible.


While butyrate alone can’t stop the immune system from its autoimmune attack, its anti-inflammatory effects may help lower overall inflammation levels, reducing the risk of diabetes complications like heart disease and kidney damage. It’s all about bringing some peace to the body’s immune system, which is often in overdrive.


Butyrate’s Impact on Blood Sugar

While Type 1 diabetes is primarily an autoimmune condition, managing blood sugar levels is a daily challenge for anyone living with it. As we explore the potential of butyrate, one question naturally arises: Can butyrate help with blood sugar control? Emerging research suggests it might have a role in improving insulin sensitivity and stabilizing blood glucose, offering a new way to support diabetes management.


Butyrate and Insulin Sensitivity

Let’s start with insulin sensitivity, or how well your body responds to the insulin it produces (or, in the case of Type 1 diabetes, insulin that’s injected). When cells are more sensitive to insulin, they can absorb glucose from the bloodstream more efficiently, leading to better blood sugar control.


Butyrate appears to have a positive impact on insulin sensitivity. Some studies have shown that butyrate can activate certain genes and pathways that help cells respond better to insulin. In animal studies, for instance, butyrate supplementation improved insulin sensitivity by enhancing how cells in the liver and muscles process glucose. Although most of these studies have been conducted on mice or individuals with Type 2 diabetes, the mechanisms may still be beneficial for people with Type 1 diabetes, especially in avoiding the wide blood sugar swings many experience.


Think of butyrate as the friend who helps your body listen more carefully to insulin’s “knock on the door,” allowing glucose to enter your cells more smoothly. The better your body responds to insulin, the more stable your blood sugar can be.


Inflammation and Blood Sugar Control

Butyrate’s ability to reduce inflammation also plays a crucial role in blood sugar control. When there’s too much inflammation in the body, cells can become less responsive to insulin. This is particularly important for people with Type 1 diabetes, where chronic inflammation is a common issue.


By calming down inflammation, butyrate may help improve how the body handles glucose. Studies suggest that higher levels of butyrate are linked to better glucose metabolism, meaning your body can process sugar more efficiently. So, by supporting butyrate production through a fiber-rich diet, you might be able to improve not only your gut health but also how well you manage your blood sugar.


Clinical Studies and What the Research Shows

Although human studies specifically linking butyrate to blood sugar control in Type 1 diabetes are still limited, there are promising insights:

  • A 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that increasing butyrate production through diet or supplementation improved insulin sensitivity in people with insulin resistance. While this study primarily focused on individuals with Type 2 diabetes or metabolic disorders, the findings suggest butyrate’s potential role in enhancing insulin response, which could be relevant for those managing blood sugar in Type 1 diabetes as well.

  • Another study highlighted in Nature Communications demonstrated that butyrate supplementation in mice improved glucose metabolism by reducing inflammation and enhancing insulin signaling in the liver. Although this research is still in the early stages, it offers a glimpse into how butyrate could influence blood sugar control.


Imagine it this way: butyrate helps calm the “fire” of inflammation in the body, making insulin’s job easier and helping to regulate blood sugar more effectively. The more smoothly your body can manage glucose, the fewer extreme highs and lows you may experience.


A Balanced Approach

While the science on butyrate’s effects on blood sugar is still developing, it’s clear that promoting a healthy gut—by encouraging the production of SCFAs like butyrate—could be part of a broader strategy to support blood sugar control in Type 1 diabetes. Adding fiber-rich foods to your diet, reducing inflammation, and improving gut health may help create a more balanced, steady approach to managing blood glucose levels.


How to Boost Butyrate Levels Naturally

After learning about the power of butyrate, you might be wondering: How can I increase my body’s butyrate production? Luckily, boosting your butyrate levels doesn’t require any fancy supplements or special treatments. It mostly comes down to one simple thing — feeding your gut the right kind of fiber.


Butyrate is produced by gut bacteria when they ferment certain types of dietary fiber. So, the key to naturally increasing butyrate levels lies in the foods you eat. Here are a few proven ways to give your gut the fuel it needs to produce more butyrate:


1. Eat Fiber-Rich Foods

The first and most important step is eating plenty of high-fiber foods. But not just any fiber will do — the best sources for butyrate production are soluble fibers and resistant starches. These are fibers that your body can’t fully digest, so they make their way down to your colon, where your gut bacteria ferment them and produce short-chain fatty acids like butyrate.

Some of the best fiber-rich foods for boosting butyrate include:

  • Oats and Barley: These whole grains are packed with beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber that has been shown to promote butyrate production in the gut. Studies have found that diets rich in oats can increase butyrate levels and improve gut health. (Be mindful of farming practices for your brand of choice. Oats are historically high in glyphosate)

  • Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, and beans are great sources of resistant starch and fiber. A 2016 study in Food & Function found that legume fibers are among the best for stimulating the production of butyrate in the gut.

  • Root Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets are excellent sources of soluble fiber, particularly pectin, which also helps produce butyrate during fermentation.

  • Green Bananas and Cooked, Cooled Potatoes: These foods contain resistant starch, which is one of the top fibers for butyrate production. Interestingly, resistant starch becomes more potent after cooking and cooling foods like potatoes, rice, and pasta. According to a study published in Nutrients, adding more resistant starch to your diet can significantly raise butyrate levels .



2. Include Fermented Foods

Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and yogurt are packed with probiotics — the beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy gut environment. While fermented foods don’t directly produce butyrate, they introduce good bacteria that can help create the right balance in your gut, promoting more effective butyrate production from fiber.


Research published in Frontiers in Microbiology has shown that consuming fermented foods can enhance the population of butyrate-producing bacteria in your gut. For example, eating fermented dairy like yogurt can improve gut diversity and increase beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are known to support butyrate production .


3. Consider Prebiotic Supplements

Prebiotics are compounds found in certain foods that feed the good bacteria in your gut, helping them thrive and produce more SCFAs like butyrate. Prebiotic fibers such as inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are particularly effective at boosting butyrate production.

  • Inulin: Found in foods like garlic, onions, and chicory root, inulin is a powerful prebiotic fiber that helps stimulate butyrate production. According to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, inulin supplementation increased levels of butyrate and other SCFAs in the gut, improving overall gut health .

  • Fructooligosaccharides (FOS): Found naturally in foods like bananas, asparagus, and leeks, FOS acts as a food source for butyrate-producing bacteria. A 2019 study in Nutrients found that increasing FOS intake can raise butyrate levels by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon.

  • Psyllium Husk: Psyllium husk is a soluble fiber that acts as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, including butyrate-producing species. Research has shown that psyllium can improve gut health by increasing short-chain fatty acid production, particularly butyrate, which helps reduce inflammation, supports gut barrier function, and may aid in blood sugar regulation. Additionally, psyllium husk has been found to help stabilize blood glucose levels, making it an excellent option for people managing Type 1 diabetes.


4. Support Overall Gut Health

Boosting butyrate production is part of maintaining a healthy gut, but it’s not just about eating fiber. A balanced diet rich in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will ensure your gut bacteria stay diverse and healthy. Avoiding ultra-processed foods, artificial sweeteners, and excessive sugar is also important, as these can disrupt the delicate balance of your microbiome.

Hydration plays a role too. Staying hydrated helps keep things moving in your digestive system, allowing fiber to do its job more effectively.


Finally, consider managing stress and incorporating regular physical activity. Stress and a sedentary lifestyle can negatively impact gut health and slow digestion, which can interfere with how your body processes fiber and produces SCFAs like butyrate.


Conclusion: Gut Health Matters in Type 1 Diabetes

As we’ve explored, gut health plays a surprisingly important role in managing Type 1 diabetes. From maintaining a strong gut barrier to reducing inflammation and potentially improving insulin sensitivity, the trillions of microorganisms living in your digestive tract are far more than passive passengers — they’re active participants in your overall health.


Butyrate, the short-chain fatty acid that we’ve focused on, is just one piece of this puzzle. By supporting the production of butyrate through a fiber-rich diet, fermented foods, and other healthy lifestyle choices, you can help create a balanced gut microbiome that supports better blood sugar control, reduces inflammation, and promotes overall well-being.


While there’s still much to learn about the exact connections between the gut microbiome and autoimmune conditions like Type 1 diabetes, one thing is clear: taking care of your gut is a crucial part of managing this condition. Whether it’s preventing complications or stabilizing blood sugar, your gut bacteria can be an unexpected ally in your diabetes care plan.


So, the next time you’re thinking about how to better manage your diabetes, don’t forget to think about what’s happening in your gut. After all, a happy gut could mean better overall health — and for those living with Type 1 diabetes, that’s worth celebrating.


References:

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  • Furusawa, Y., et al. (2015). Commensal microbe-derived butyrate induces the differentiation of colonic regulatory T cells. Nature, 504(7480), 446-450. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature12721

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  • Morrison, D. J., & Preston, T. (2016). Formation of short chain fatty acids by the gut microbiota and their impact on human metabolism. Gut Microbes, 7(3), 189-200. https://doi.org/10.1080/19490976.2015.1134082

  • Zhou, D., Pan, Q., Shen, F., Cao, H. X., Ding, W. J., Chen, Y. W., & Fan, J. G. (2017). Total serum short-chain fatty acid concentration is negatively correlated with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Nutrients, 9(6), 647. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9060647

  • Koh, A., De Vadder, F., Kovatcheva-Datchary, P., & Bäckhed, F. (2016). From dietary fiber to host physiology: Short-chain fatty acids as key bacterial metabolites. Cell, 165(6), 1332-1345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2016.05.041

  • Hooda, S., Boler, B. M. V., Serao, M. C. R., et al. (2016). Psyllium husk influences butyrate-producing bacteria and reduces inflammatory markers in a human gut model. British Journal of Nutrition, 116(7), 1235-1245. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114516003165

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