Question of the Week Rationale

Our “Question of the Week” is created weekly by Coach Beverly to cover a variety of Diabetes related topics. The questions are designed to keep you current and prepare you for the CDCES® Exam. If you have not signed up to receive the question, you can today through our free CDCES Coach App or our Facebook Page. 

Rationale:

We have had an overwhelmingly positive response to our “Question of the Week.” Thank you for participating!

Many of you have asked for the rationale behind the correct answer. We hear you and agree!

What a perfect way to information share and bring new concepts to light.  We appreciate our community of diabetes educators and the opportunity to keep learning together! 

Question of the Week – October 17th – test your knowledge before seeing answer below! 

Why is a healthy gut mucous barrier important to maintain health?

1. Slows down the rate of food digestion and absorption
2. Inhibits the passage of bacteria into the circulation
3. Stimulates the villi to absorb nutrients
4. Allows for easier passage of stool

How did your answer compare?

Correct Answer: Inhibits the passage of bacteria into the circulation

But why? 

Gut mucus lining is necessary to prevent the leakage of bacteria into the circulation.

Inside the tube of your intestine there are layers which include bacteria, the mucus layer and the endothelial lining (see picture below)  The thinner the intestinal mucous lining, the thinner the barrier to stop bacterial leakage associated with inflammation and increased blood sugars.

A recent study showed that there is a direct relationship between mucus layer health and occurrence of diabetes.  A thicker mucus layer is associated with less diabetes.

The best way to increase the mucus layer health is eat high fiber foods that feed our good bacteria, (like Akkermansia Mucinphilia). These good bacteria, mostly located in our large intestine, create short chain fatty acids when they break down fiber. Short chain fatty acids create an acidic environment, which protects the mucus and keeps it healthy.

Join our FREE New Horizons – Getting to the Gut Webinar 

November 6th, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. PST

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