Gut Microbes Predict Diabetes Risk in Pregnancy and Infancy
A new study from Bar-Ilan University has found that it is possible to predict whether a pregnant woman will develop gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by studying her gut microbes as early as the first trimester. The study applied a machine learning model to fecal and saliva samples and medical records of a cohort of 400 Israeli women. Those who were found to have specific combinations of bacteria, types of fatty acids, and inflammatory markers in their guts had a much higher chance of developing GDM. The findings could lead to better prevention and treatment of the disease.