Gut microbiota dysbiosis, circulating microbial genetic traces, and their role in gestational diabetes

Core Tip

Core Tip: Pregnancy represents a unique metabolic state, where immune tolerance and insulin sensitivity are tightly regulated. Recent evidence suggests that gut microbiota dysbiosis may compromise the intestinal barrier, leading to the release of microbial genetic traces into the bloodstream. These microbial signals can activate host immune pathways and may aggravate systemic inflammation, thereby exacerbating gestational diabetes mellitus. This review highlights emerging insights into the link between gut dysbiosis, microbial translocation into circulation, and the worsening of diabetic outcomes in pregnancy. Understanding this gut-blood axis could open new opportunities for predictive biomarkers and targeted interventions to improve maternal and foetal health.