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EFFECTS OF TYPE I DIABETES ON THE HEALTH OF ATHLETES’ GUT MICROBIOMES**

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease, in which the pancreas makes little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Studies have shown differences in the gut microbiomes between type I diabetics and healthy people, but this has not specifically been studied in college athletes. Diabetics tend to have lower diversity in gut microbiota than non diabetics. Diabetic athletes have to be especially careful about their glucose intake. In addition, there is an increase in diabetes nationwide and the gut microbiome may be a contributor to this. This study's purpose is to compare gut microbiota health in athletes with type 1 diabetes vs. non-diabetic athletes. Six fecal samples were collected, three from non-diabetic female athletes and three from diabetic female athletes, all between the ages of 18 and 22. Participants filled out a survey about their overall health and diet. Participants were provided an at-home fecal sample kit from Biomesight and were asked to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Samples were mailed to the Biomesight lab where 16S rRNA sequencing will be performed to analyze the community of microbes in each participant’s gut. A Shannon diversity index will be calculated for each participant as well as genus identification of their microbes.

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