Chinese scientists pulled genetic data from the waste samples of 345 people, including diabetics and non-diabetics, and then used the DNA samples to assess the bacterial composition of the study participants’ intestines. Here’s what they discovered: Among those with type II diabetes, the balance of the normal gut bacteria is disturbed with unwanted pathogens that may be linked to the generation or spread of disease. More From Prevention: 12 Ways To Never Get Diabetes So what does all this mean for you? In the future, an analysis of your guts’ bacteria could help doctors better determine your risk for developing diabetes, certain types of cancers, and a host of other diseases. But for now, those types of examinations and remedies are still a little ways off, says Wang. More from Prevention: When Your Gut Screams “No!” In the meantime, keep your gut happy by exercising and watching your weight. A recent study shows that working out significantly helps your body regulate its insulin and blood sugar levels. And losing just 5% of your body weight has been shown to reduce your risk of developing diabetes by up to 70%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
