The effect of oral probiotics on glycated haemoglobin levels in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus – a randomized clinical trial

INTRODUCTION: Proper control of blood glucose in children with type 1 diabetes has a direct effect on their metabolism and quality of life by reducing the risk of complications. The use of probiotics may have a beneficial effect on glucose levels. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral consumption of probiotics on glycosylated haemoglobin in children with type 1 diabetes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial, 52 children with type 1 diabetes were studied. We created 2 groups of 26 individuals each. The probiotic group received a daily probiotic capsule for 90 days, in addition to routine insulin therapy. The control group received only insulin therapy. Blood samples were taken to measure HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, and lipid profiles at the beginning and end of the trial. RESULTS: The study showed that HbA1c was high in both groups, but this increase was lower in the probiotic group than in the control group. This difference was not statistically significant. The mean level of fasting plasma glucose in the probiotic group was significantly reduced compared to the control group (p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of our study, consumption of oral probiotics has no significant effect on HbA1c levels in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.