Gut-liver axis in diabetes: Mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities

Figure 1 Physiological gut liver axis. This figure visually represents the anatomical and functional connectivity between the gut and liver, commonly referred to as the gut-liver axis. In a healthy state, a diverse and balanced gut microbiota resides within the intestinal lumen, supported by an intact epithelial barrier. Microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids enter the portal circulation and interact with the liver to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, immune tolerance, and bile acid recycling. This bidirectional communication maintains metabolic and immune homeostasis.