Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common global health concern that is associated with a high number of comorbidities and mortality rates. The causes of T2DM are complex and involve genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors. In this regard, the small intestine plays a critical role in T2DM, as permeability is increased in this condition, allowing harmful substances into the bloodstream, triggering inflammation, which in turn can worsen insulin resistance. Additionally, gut microbiota imbalances, as well as alterations in their derived metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are also associated with increased permeability and inflammation.

In this project our aim is to explore the mechanisms by which the small intestine contributes to T2DM progression and to evaluate the effectiveness of butyrate, a SCFA, in different T2DM-related parameters and intestinal permeability. For that purpose, we are establishing a state-of-the-art model of human intestinal organoids derived from small intestine samples of patients with obesity and T2DM.