Diabetic and overweight cats have altered gut microbial diversity and composition.

Diabetic cats have distinct gut microbiota composition associated with altered insulin signaling.

This study investigated the gut microbiota composition in 32 client-owned cats across three groups: lean (n=13), overweight (n=8), and diabetic (n=11). Using 16S rRNA analysis of ileal contents, researchers identified significant differences in microbial beta diversity between lean and diabetic cats. Key findings included decreased Bacteroidota abundance in diabetic cats and increased Alloprevotella in lean cats. At the genus level, diabetic cats showed elevated Peptostreptococcus and Escherichia-Shigella, while lean and overweight cats had higher Sutterella and Oscillibacter. Microbial alterations were associated with distinct tissue markers: lean and overweight cats exhibited elevated muscle insulin receptor substrate-1 and pancreatic insulin signaling markers, whereas diabetic cats had increased hepatic lipid content. These findings establish a link between altered ileal microbiota composition and impaired insulin signaling in feline diabetes, suggesting the microbiota may play a role in feline metabolic disease pathophysiology.

This summary was distilled by AI and may occasionally misinterpret data. Confirm critical details with the primary literature before clinical application.