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World J Diabetes. Sep 15, 2024; 15(9): 1874-1888
Published online Sep 15, 2024. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v15.i9.1874
Table 5 Limitations and future directions in gut microbiome research for type 2 diabetes mellitus
Limitations
Description
Future directions
Variability in microbial compositionIndividual differences in microbiome composition complicate standard treatment outcomesPersonalized microbiome interventions: Develop treatments based on individual microbiome assessments to optimize efficacy
Lack of standardizationInconsistencies in probiotic formulations affect study comparability and clinical applicabilityStandardization of products: Establish regulations and standards for probiotic formulations to ensure quality and consistency
Short-term focusMost studies have short duration and do not address long-term safety and effectivenessLongitudinal studies: Conduct long-term studies to assess the sustained effects and safety of microbiome-based interventions
Incomplete mechanistic understandingThe pathways through which the microbiome influences diabetes are not fully elucidatedMechanistic research: Deepen research into the biochemical interactions within the gut microbiome that affect diabetes pathogenesis and treatment
Drug-microbiome interactionsPotential interactions between probiotics and anti-diabetic medications are not well understoodInteraction studies: Explore how probiotics interact with common diabetic medications to refine treatment protocols
Regulatory hurdlesThe global regulatory landscape for probiotics and microbiome therapies varies significantlyHarmonize regulations: Work toward an international consensus on the regulation of microbiome therapies to facilitate global research and application