Research has revealed that lifestyle factors can have a significant impact on the development of type 1 diabetes.
Consumption of fruit, oats and rye during childhood may increase the risk of diabetes, according to a new study presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting in Madrid, Spain. Developing type 1 diabetesHowever, eating berries was found to lower the risk of developing the disease. The study, led by Professor Suvi Virtanen from the Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare, aims to identify environmental factors, particularly lifestyle-related factors, that are responsible for the increasing prevalence of the disease worldwide. By doing so, the team hoped to develop prevention strategies that could lower this prevalence and minimize the risk of long-term complications.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in insufficient insulin production and difficulty regulating blood sugar levels. The exact cause is unknown, but scientists believe it is caused by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Viral or dietary factors.
By 2040, the number of people with type 1 diabetes worldwide is expected to more than double, from 8.4 million in 2021 to 17.4 million. Finland has the highest rate in the world, with more than 52 new cases in every 100,000 children diagnosed with diabetes each year. The disease requires lifelong blood sugar management, so the rising prevalence is expected to put an increased burden on families and the healthcare system in general. Over time, the disease can lead to other health complications, including nerve damage, poor circulation, and impaired heart, eye, and kidney function.
Diet has long been suspected to be a major contributor to the development of diabetes; however, previous studies have produced mixed results. To fill this gap, Professor Virtanen and her team conducted an in-depth study of diet and diabetes risk in Finnish children. In the study, 5,674 children (3,010 boys and 2,664 girls) with a genetic predisposition to diabetes were followed from birth to age 6. Parents tracked their food and drink intake from 3 months to 6 years of age and provided a detailed record of their children's diet through detailed food records.
Of the children surveyed, 94 Type 1 diabetes By age 6, 206 had developed islet autoimmunity, an early marker of the disease in which proteins produced by the immune system begin to target and attack insulin-producing beta cells. The researchers analyzed the entire diet of these children and categorized foods into 34 groups. Several groups, including fruit, oats, and rye, were found to be associated with an increased risk of developing the disease.
Meanwhile, consuming berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackcurrants appears to have a protective effect against the development of type 1 diabetes. Data suggests that the more berries a child consumes, the lower their risk of developing diabetes.
According to Professor Virtanen, berries are rich in polyphenols, plant compounds known for their anti-inflammatory properties, and these compounds may reduce inflammation associated with the development of type 1 diabetes. Furthermore, unlike berries, some fruits may contain harmful substances from pesticides that could contribute to risk.
Other foods showed mixed benefits: for example, oats, bananas, and fermented dairy products were associated with an increased risk of islet autoimmune disease, while cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower) were associated with a decreased risk.
The research team noted that further research is needed to identify the specific properties of these foods that may increase or decrease the risk of type 1 diabetes.
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Eating fruit, oats, and rye during childhood may increase risk of type 1 diabetes
Foods that may increase children's risk of type 1 diabetes revealed