The invention provides a composition comprising Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 strain DSM 14241 for use in preventing, alleviating the symptoms of or treating, alone or as an adjuvant component, a metabolic syndrome related disorder selected from prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The effect may be achieved by simultaneously: decreasing the level of glycated haemoglobin HbA1c, decreasing or preventing low-grade inflammation on a cellular level and increasing the level of adiponectin.