Researchers have identified certain dietary patterns that may elevate the risk of type 1 diabetes in children, according to new findings set to be unveiled at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) conference in Spain.
The study highlights that high consumption of oats, rye, and specific fruits is associated with a heightened risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Conversely, the intake of certain berries appears to be linked with a reduced risk of the disease.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to a critical shortage of insulin—a hormone essential for regulating blood sugar levels. Individuals with type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy to manage their blood sugar levels. This form of diabetes often emerges in children or young adults but can manifest at any age.
Suvi Virtanen, a professor at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, emphasized the serious implications of type 1 diabetes. “This condition imposes a significant burden on patients and their families, leading to severe complications such as eye, heart, nerve, and kidney problems. It also reduces life expectancy and incurs substantial healthcare costs, approximately 1 million euros per patient in Finland,” Virtanen stated.
The study analyzed the diets of over 5,600 Finnish children, aged from birth to 6 years, who were genetically predisposed to type 1 diabetes. By the end of the study period, 94 children had developed type 1 diabetes, and 206 others showed signs of islet autoimmunity, an early indicator of potential type 1 diabetes development.
Virtanen noted, “This is the first study to simultaneously evaluate a child’s entire diet in relation to type 1 diabetes risk.”
The researchers found a correlation between the consumption of oats, rye, fermented dairy products, bananas, and wheat with an increased risk of type 1 diabetes. In contrast, higher intake of berries—including strawberries, blueberries, lingonberries, raspberries, and blackcurrants—was associated with a lower risk.
“Berries are rich in polyphenols, plant compounds that may reduce inflammation linked to type 1 diabetes development,” Virtanen explained. “In contrast, other fruits might contain harmful substances not found in berries. For instance, berries are often free of pesticides.”
Additionally, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage were also linked to a decreased risk of developing type 1 diabetes.
Virtanen stressed the importance of understanding which specific components in these foods contribute to their effects. “If berries are found to contain a particular protective substance, that could be used to prevent type 1 diabetes,” she suggested.
Despite these promising findings, Virtanen cautioned against premature dietary changes. “While our results highlight potential links between diet and type 1 diabetes risk, these foods are generally considered healthy. Further research is needed before any dietary recommendations are made.”
Other experts agree that the findings are preliminary. Kevin McConway, emeritus professor of applied statistics at the Open University in the UK, noted, “This research provides an initial view of possible associations between diet and type 1 diabetes risk. However, it is too early to make specific dietary recommendations. The study’s observational nature means it cannot definitively establish causation.”
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