What Causes Type 1 Diabetes?

Viruses

Some researchers believe one or more viral infections may trigger the disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Researchers suggest that an infection introduces a viral protein resembling a beta-cell protein. The T cells and antibodies to the foreign protein are tricked by this resemblance into attacking the beta protein as well as the virus. Viruses under scrutiny include those that attack the intestinal tract (called enteric viruses), particularly coxsackieviruses.

One study has indicated that early respiratory infection -- in a child's first year and not later -- may be protective against diabetes, perhaps by priming the immune response so that it is better able to respond later on to other organisms.

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