LAUSR

Various patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) need alternative types of treatments. The mainstream strategy for T2DM treatment mainly includes the administration of oral hypoglycemic drugs and/or injectable agents like insulin secretagogues. In our research we investigated head-to-head gut microbiome in the T2DM patients with long duration of treatment by the most traditional type – metformin group or metformin+insulin group. Adding next oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin is intended to delay diabetic complications and improve outcomes. Study has revealed low richness and diversity of gut microbiota in those with long treatment with metformin or metformin+insulin with no differences between groups. We have read the letter by Panjaitan et al regarding our article with interest and appreciate the criticisms and comments expressed. The letter brings the opportunity to further discuss the merits and limitations of our study. We respond to some doubts and questions. Moreover this leads us to propose international studies with a carefully selected group in the field of patients and drugs used so far and extending them to further hypoglycemic agents and various types of insulin in the area of gut microbiota investigation. In response to Panjaitan