Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus and prediabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Zhong et al., 2024 | Clin Nutr ESPEN | Meta Analysis

Citation

Zhong Hao, Wang Lingmiao, ... Guan Rongfa. Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus and prediabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2024-Jun;61:377-384. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2024.04.009

Abstract

Lactobacillus plantarum has been shown to improve glucose and lipid metabolism in mouse models of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, it remains unclear whether such benefits extend to humans. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to clarify the effect of L. plantarum supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism in T2DM and prediabetes. The PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were searched. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled mean difference with 95% CI (confidence interval). L. plantarum supplementation reduced the levels of fasting plasma glucose (-0.41, 95%CI -0.63, -0.19 mg/dL; n = 5) and hemoglobin A1c (-0.2, 95%CI: -0.3, 0%; n = 4). A non-statistically significant tendency towards improvements in the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (MD: -0.74, 95%CI: -1.72, 0.25; n = 3), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-6.87; 95%CI: -15.03, 1.29 mg/dL; n = 3), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD: 1.34; 95%CI: -0.78, 3.46 mg/dL; n = 3), triglyceride (MD: -3.90; 95%CI: -11.05, 3.24 mg/dL; n = 3), and total cholesterol (MD: -4.88; 95%CI: -11.84, 2.07 mg/dL; n = 3) was observed with the supplementation. In summary, while the evidence from the currently available RCTs provides a crude indication that L. plantarum supplementation might improve glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with T2DM and prediabetes, the benefits of the supplementation are likely subtle, and its clinical significance requires further investigation.

Key Findings

In summary, while the evidence from the currently available RCTs provides a crude indication that L. plantarum supplementation might improve glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with T2DM and prediabetes, the benefits of the supplementation are likely subtle, and its clinical significance requires further investigation.

Outcomes Measured

• Requires manual extraction

Population

MeSH Terms

• Lactiplantibacillus plantarum
• Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
• Humans
• Prediabetic State
• Lipid Metabolism
• Blood Glucose
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
• Dietary Supplements
• Probiotics
• Insulin Resistance
• Glycated Hemoglobin
• Triglycerides

Evidence Classification

• Level: Meta Analysis
• Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
• Vertical: probiotics

Provenance

• PMID: 38777458
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2024.04.009
• PMCID: Not in PMC
• Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09