Abstract
This review analyses recent understanding of the role of the intestinal barrier function in the development of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Intestinal barrier is complex homeostatic system consisting of intestinal permeability,intestinal immunity as well as intestinal microbiota.
Via alterations in the intestinal permeability, intestinal barrier function becomes compromised whereby access of exoantigens, infectious agents and dietary antigens to mucosal immune response elements is facilitated, which may eventually lead to immune reactions with damage to pancreatic beta cells and can lead to increased cytokine production with consequent insulin resistance. Conversely, there is ample evidence that diabetes mellitus affects gastrointestinal morphology and function.
The reinforcing the intestinal barrier can offer and open new horizons in the prevention and treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes