Authors: Andreas Pfützner, Pamela Canaviri-Paz, Mina R. Hanna, Daniela Sachsenheimer, Daiva Kalasauske, Julia Jantz, Johan de Faire

Published in: Nutrition and Metabolic Insights (2026)
DOI: 10.1177/11786388251413658

Abstract

Background

BeaT-2/Sugarburner is a nutritional supplement based on a co-existing microbial consortium of bacterial strains. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential beneficial effects of the supplement versus placebo on glycemic control and on biomarkers of inflammation, insulin resistance and ß-cell dysfunction.

Methods

A total of 40 patients with type 2 diabetes (31 male, 9 female, age: 65.5±8.0 years, BMI: 33.6±5.5 kg/m², HbA1c: 7.2±0.9%) were included into the study. They were randomized to receive 2 capsules of either BeaT-2 or placebo once daily for 6 weeks.

Observation parameters were time in normoglycemia as assessed by continuous glucose monitoring, and biomarkers of glycemic control, ß-cell function, insulin resistance and chronic systemic inflammation.

Results

Time in range was stable with BeaT-2 between weeks 0 and 2 versus weeks 4 and 6, while it slightly impaired with placebo (−4%, n.s.).

At endpoint, there were significant improvements versus baseline with BeaT-2, but not with placebo for:

• Biomarkers of glycemic control
  • HbA1c: −0.3% vs +0.1%
  • Fasting glucose: −14% vs +8%
• Insulin resistance
  • Insulin: −17% vs +14%
  • HOMA-IR: −26% vs +21%
• ß-cell dysfunction
  • Intact proinsulin: −40% vs −2%
• Chronic systemic inflammation
  • Adiponectin: +8% vs −8%
  • hsCRP: −31% vs +27%

In addition, observed changes in the lipid profiles and other parameters of metabolic syndrome were more favorable with BeaT-2 than with placebo.

There were no differences between the groups with respect to number and type of adverse events.

Conclusion

The results observed with BeaT-2 were comprehensively indicative for improvements in the cardiometabolic situation. BeaT-2 may be a valuable supplement to any existing treatment combination in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Introduction

There is increasing evidence that gut microbiota is involved in the development of human diseases, including but not limited to disorders of immune system, energy metabolism, lipid metabolism, and glucose metabolism.

Appropriate development of the metabolic functionality of the human body is strongly driven by this symbiosis between intestinal microbiota and the host organism.

A wide range of biological processes is influenced by the gut microbiota, such as:

• Energy balance homeostasis
• Digestion of nutrients
• Transport and metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids
• Production of fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins
• Elimination of xenobiotics and drugs
• Bile acid metabolism

Disturbances in composition and functionality of the host-microbiota interaction can result in chronic systemic inflammation induced by bacterial fragments entering circulation due to a malfunctioning gut barrier.

Recent evidence suggests that certain bacterial species may interact with host metabolism through metabolite-mediated stimulation of enteric hormones.

Modulation of the gut microbiota through supplementation with bacteria and probiotics may offer an opportunity for supplementary treatment of diabetes, obesity and other inflammation-related diseases.

Study Objective

The purpose of this study was to verify and quantify the beneficial effects of BeaT-2 on:

• Glycemic control
• Biomarkers of inflammation
• Insulin resistance
• ß-cell dysfunction

The study was conducted as a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial over 6 weeks in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

Study Design

• Prospective
• Double-blind
• Placebo-controlled
• Monocentric
• Parallel-group study

Duration

6 weeks

Participants

40 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Inclusion Criteria

• Adults with type 2 diabetes
• HbA1c between 6.0% and 9.9%
• Receiving standard diabetes treatment

Exclusion Criteria

• Type 1 diabetes
• Gastrointestinal disease
• Anemia
• Acute hyperthyreosis
• Allergy to probiotic supplements
• Major fatal disease

Primary Endpoint

Time in normoglycemia measured using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) with the FreeStyle Libre 2 device.

Secondary Endpoints

• HbA1c
• Lipids
• Uric acid
• Insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR)
• ß-cell dysfunction markers
• Chronic systemic inflammation markers
• Safety and tolerability

BeaT-2 Composition

Each 500 mg capsule contained:

Mechanism of Action

The product action is driven by excreting bioactive substances, such as enzymes, that break down complex organic molecules into nutrients, reactants and energy.

The bacterial strains included into the product preferentially metabolize glucose and other carbohydrate molecules and degrade them directly into CO₂ and water.

As a consequence:

• Degraded glucose does not reach the bloodstream
• It cannot contribute to energy balance
• BeaT-2 does not induce hypoglycemia
• Normal glucose levels are not affected in healthy people

Results

Patient Characteristics

Most patients were on combination anti-diabetic treatments, indicating advanced disease stages.

Glycemic Control

Patients taking BeaT-2 maintained stable glycemic control throughout the study, while the placebo group experienced slight impairment.

Significant improvements with BeaT-2 included:

Inflammation Markers

Adiponectin

• Increased significantly with BeaT-2
• Decreased with placebo

hsCRP

• Reduced by more than 30% with BeaT-2
• Increased by more than 20% with placebo

Lipid Profile and Metabolic Syndrome Markers

Observed changes were generally more favorable with BeaT-2:

• Significant reduction in triglycerides
• Positive trends in total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol
• Less worsening of LDL cholesterol and uric acid

Safety and Tolerability

The supplements were well tolerated.

Adverse Events

• Placebo: 18 events
• BeaT-2: 15 events

Gastrointestinal Complaints

• Placebo: 6 cases
• BeaT-2: 1 case

No serious adverse events were reported.

Discussion

The study findings support the growing evidence linking gut microbiota with metabolic health and type 2 diabetes.

The selected bacterial strains in BeaT-2 were designed to preferentially metabolize glucose and carbohydrates, potentially reducing glucose absorption and improving insulin resistance.

The observed improvements in:

• HbA1c
• Fasting glucose
• HOMA-IR
• Insulin
• Intact proinsulin
• Inflammatory biomarkers

suggest a broad positive cardiometabolic impact.

Study Limitations

The authors identified several limitations:

1. Baseline CGM measurements started after supplementation began
2. Study duration of 6 weeks was relatively short
3. Slight gender imbalance between groups

Conclusion

The results observed with BeaT-2 were comprehensively indicative for improvements in the cardiometabolic situation, while the opposite was seen for all parameters with placebo.

Considering the intensive background diabetes treatments taken by the participating patients, these results strongly indicate that BeaT-2 may be a valuable supplement to existing treatment combinations in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Long-term comparative clinical studies are required to confirm the value of BeaT-2 alongside pharmaceutical and lifestyle interventions.