The study, led by Chalmers in Gothenburg, examined stool samples from just over 4,600 adult Swedes, of whom 383 later developed diabetes.
According to the study, those affected had changes in their gut flora for several years before the disease broke out. According to the researchers, this could be used to identify people at risk of type 2 diabetes earlier.
"Risk factors such as obesity, heredity and blood sugar levels could be supplemented with a stool sample to better predict the risk of becoming ill and so that preventive measures can be taken," says Gaël Toubon, a researcher at Chalmers, in a press release.
