Type 2 diabetes is a growing global health concern, affecting millions worldwide. While treatments typically include dietary changes and medication, many patients experience unwanted side effects from pharmaceuticals.
Researchers in Denmark have found that carrots can improve the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar and promote a healthier balance of gut bacteria. This study suggests that carrots could provide a natural, side-effect-free complement to traditional diabetes treatments.
Over a 16-week period, researchers from the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) studied mice with type 2 diabetes induced by a high-fat diet, mimicking unhealthy human lifestyles. The mice were divided into two groups:
Group 1: Fed a diet supplemented with 10% freeze-dried carrot powder.
Group 2: Fed a similar diet without carrots.
Both diets were calorie-matched to ensure the only variable was the bioactive compounds in carrots.
The results were striking:
- Improved Blood Sugar Regulation:Mice consuming carrot powder demonstrated better glucose tolerance, meaning their bodies could regulate blood sugar more effectively.
- Healthier Gut Microbiome:Carrots altered the composition of gut bacteria, increasing beneficial bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs help regulate blood sugar and support gut health.
“Everything we eat affects the composition of gut bacteria,” explains Morten Kobæk Larsen, associate professor at SDU. “Consuming carrots shifts gut bacteria toward a healthier balance, which benefits mice with type 2 diabetes.”