Is There An Environmental Factor To Developing Type 1 Diabetes?
I know that there is for sure when it comes to type 2 diabetes because if a person's weight is kept in check, he/she will have a better chance of not developing diabetes. But what about type 1 diabetes?
the two theories I know of are:
A flu like virus
Rotating Shift work or pro-longed sleep depravity
The cause of type 1 is still unknown however there are theories that a virus may trigger it. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/...
Environmental factors that have been implicated:
-Viruses
-Exposure to gluten, soy, and casein (these food proteins can possibly stimulate the autoimmune response in those prone to Type 1 diabetes). Casein (milk protein) studies are being done right now to see if avoiding casein in infant formula will reduce the risk of Type 1 diabetes in infants with the known susceptibility genes. The study is called ‘TRIGR’.
-A lack of Omega 3 EFA and Vitamin D. Recent studies have come out confirming that Omega 3 is protective against Type 1 diabetes, as is Vitamin D. High Vitamin D and Omega 3 levels decrease risk, but do not eliminate it entirely of course.
-Stress, trauma, accidents, illness, and/or pregnancy also seem to cause a shift in immune function that can trigger the disease in people prone to it.
-Some medications have been linked to Type 1 diabetes, although there is usually no conclusive proof in most cases.
All cases of *autoimmune* Type 1 diabetes require an interaction between genes that make them susceptible AND an environmental trigger. Note that there may be *many* possible triggers, and one may need any number of combinations to develop the disease depending on their genes. Different genes may even have different triggers. Also, some people may have so much genetic susceptibility that they will develop the disease from virtually *any* trigger no matter what.
There are cases of “Type 1″ diabetes that are not autoimmune, and can be caused by direct trauma to the pancreas, a virus acting directly on the pancreas (no autoimmunity), or secondary to a disease like Cystic Fibrosis. These cases are referred to as “Type 1B”, “Idiopathic”, or “Secondary” diabetes.
There is also the KIR6.2 genetic mutation, which causes some cases of neonatal (infant) diabetes. This is sometimes mistakenly diagnosed as autoimmune Type 1 diabetes and treated with insulin. Kids with this mutation actually can use oral diabetes medication. This form of diabetes is strictly due to genetics (no trigger and no way to prevent it), and VERY rare.
The study listed in answer above refers to a lack fo sleep and shift work as pertaining to Type 2 diabetes. Often the above leads to an increase in insulin resistance, more fast food consumption, and less exercise. 99% of of studies and media are referring to Type 2 diabetes unless it specifically says otherwise. Type 2 diabetes is often linked to lifestyle and modifiable factors.
Type 1 diabetes is not caused by poor diet, junk food, lack of exercise, obesity, etc.
In other words, yes there are environmental factors associated with Type 1 diabetes, but as of now it is not a preventable disease by any known means.