Abstract
Type 2 diabetes, a widespread metabolic disorder, is characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Xylose-oligosaccharide, a functional oligosaccharide, has shown potential in mitigating hyperglycemia. This study established a type 2 diabetes mouse model via a high-fat diet and streptozotocin administration to investigate the effects of two xylose-oligosaccharide doses (20 and 60 mg/kg/day). Both doses were observed to regulate lipid metabolism, decrease inflammation, and alleviate damage to the liver, kidneys, and islets. Additionally, xylose-oligosaccharide corrected diabetes-induced intestinal microbiota imbalances by increasing Bacteroides and Proteobacteria while decreasing Firmicutes. Notably, the 60 mg/kg/day dose was more effective in enhancing glucose tolerance and reducing insulin resistance compared to the 20 mg/kg/day dose. These results suggested that xylose-oligosaccharide had hypoglycemic effects, reduced insulin resistance and oxidative stress, possessed anti-inflammatory properties, and modulated intestinal microbiota. Thus, xylose-oligosaccharide shows promise as a functional food for managing type 2 diabetes.