Scientific studies link common viruses to increased risk of Type 1 diabetes

New scientific findings suggest that certain viral infections may play a role in triggering Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Unlike Type 2 diabetes, which can often be prevented or managed through lifestyle changes, Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, and its exact cause remains unclear. However, researchers now believe that viral infections may act as a catalyst, activating immune cells that attack the pancreas.

According to a report in the Mirror, four viruses are drawing particular attention:

Enteroviruses

Common among children and young people, enteroviruses usually cause mild respiratory illnesses. In rare cases, they can lead to severe complications such as sepsis, meningitis, or myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) in newborns.

Past studies have shown that children with prolonged enterovirus infections face a higher risk of developing Type 1 diabetes.

Rotavirus

Rotavirus, a leading cause of gastroenteritis in children, is so widespread that nearly every child contracts it at least once before the age of five.

A U.S. study involving 1.4 million children found that those who received the rotavirus vaccine were 33% less likely to develop Type 1 diabetes compared to unvaccinated children. However, similar studies in other countries have produced mixed results, leaving the connection uncertain.

COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a noticeable increase in Type 1 diabetes diagnoses among children was reported. Early laboratory studies suggest that the virus may damage the pancreas directly, but definitive proof is still lacking.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)

Best known for causing infectious mononucleosis (“mono”), EBV is one of nine known human herpes viruses and most people contract it at some point in their lives, often without realizing it.
Some studies suggest EBV may overstimulate the immune system, increasing the risk of an autoimmune attack on insulin-producing cells. However, there is no conclusive evidence that EBV directly causes Type 1 diabetes.

Ongoing Research

Scientists emphasize that while these findings are significant, the relationship between viral infections and Type 1 diabetes is complex and not yet fully understood. More research is needed to clarify whether these viruses act as direct triggers or simply accelerate the disease in genetically susceptible individuals.