Succinate, a key dicarboxylic acid in energy metabolism, has two main origins in humans: the mitochondria and the gut microbiota [1, 2]. Understanding the diverse origins of succinate provides important insights into the complex interplay between host metabolism and the gut microbiota, with potential implications for health and disease.
Globally, an estimated 537 million adults, 10.5% of the adult population, were living with diabetes in 2021, disproportionally affecting low- and middle income countries that are home to 80% of diabetes cases [1]. The number of people living with diabetes is predicted to rise to 783 million by 2045, and a parallel increase in diabetes related costs is predicted, projected to reach US$1054 billion by 2045 [2].