Peaches ( <i>Prunus persica</i> L.) pulp mitigate type 2 diabetic mice by modulating of glucose metabolism and gut microbiota

Peach are a fruit with high nutritional and economic value, but their safety and suitability for diabetic patients have been questioned. This study investigated the effects and potential mechanisms of peach pulp (PP) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in mice induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) combined with streptozotocin (STZ). The results showed that PP alleviated hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia, and tissue dysfunction in T2DM mice through the synergistic effect of nutrients and non-nutrient compounds. Analysis of mRNA expression levels revealed that PP improved glucose metabolism in T2DM mice by promoting glycogen synthesis and inhibiting gluconeogenesis. Furthermore, elevated levels of PP resulted in an increase in acetic acid content following a 4 weeks intervention period. Additionally, it led to the restoration of gut microbiota balance by decreasing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota (F/B) ratio and enhancing the presence of <i>Romboutsia</i>, <i>Allobaculum</i>, <i>Alloprevotella</i>, and <i>Bacteroides</i> after an 8 weeks intervention. Ultimately, our results suggest that PP may offer advantages for individuals with diabetes.