New research suggests that commonly prescribed antibiotics for children may impact long-term health by increasing the risk of diabetes, the Sun reports.
Scientists from the University of Colorado Boulder (CU) found that administering antibiotics during a critical developmental period could disrupt the growth of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, potentially heightening the likelihood of type 1 diabetes later in life.
The study emphasizes the importance of the infant microbiome—a collection of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that live in and on the body. These microbes play a crucial role in development and are influenced by factors such as birth method and breastfeeding. Researchers suggest that early disruption of this microbiome, particularly through antibiotics, could have long-term effects on metabolic health.
Assistant Professor Jennifer Hill, the study’s first author, stated:
“We hope our study provides more awareness for how important the infant microbiome actually is for shaping development.”
She also noted that the findings may open doors to new treatments aimed at preventing or even reversing diabetes.
The research, conducted on mice, demonstrated that those given broad-spectrum antibiotics during a specific developmental period—equivalent to seven to twelve months in humans—had fewer insulin-producing cells, higher blood sugar levels, and lower insulin levels in adulthood.
Professor June Round, a co-author of the study, described the results as both “shocking and a bit scary,” underscoring the importance of gut bacteria during early development.
While the study highlights concerns about antibiotic use, researchers stress that they are not against these medications. Instead, they propose supplementing antibiotics with microbiome-boosting treatments to restore beneficial bacteria.
In a secondary experiment, researchers explored whether introducing specific microbes could counteract the loss of insulin-producing cells. They found that mice given a fungus called Candida dubliniensis, which is naturally present in human infants during a critical growth period, experienced an increase in beta-cell production. Furthermore, mice predisposed to type 1 diabetes were significantly less likely to develop the condition when given the fungus early in life.
Dr. Hill believes this discovery could lead to new approaches for diabetes prevention and treatment.
“Historically, we have interpreted germs as something to avoid, but we probably have far more beneficial microbes than harmful ones,” she explained. “By harnessing their power, we can do a lot to benefit human health.”
Diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. There are two main types:
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks insulin-producing cells. It typically develops in childhood and is not linked to lifestyle factors.
Type 2 diabetes is much more common and occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to it. Risk factors include obesity, poor diet, and genetics.
While lifestyle changes can help prevent type 2 diabetes, there are currently no known preventive measures for type 1 diabetes. However, studies like this one suggest that early microbiome interventions could be a promising avenue for future research.
