Gut bacteria-produced butyrate may improve blood sugar control during pregnancy by activating hormone pathways through gene regulation

A deficiency in the gut microbiota-derived metabolite butyrate is associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

• Butyrate may influence glucose regulation during pregnancy.
• The exact molecular pathways linking butyrate to gestational diabetes are not yet defined.
• Butyrate is known to function as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor.
• It is hypothesized that butyrate could improve insulin sensitivity through changes in intestinal hormone secretion.

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