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Karolinska Institutet Study Sheds Light on Factors Contributing to Development of Type 1 Diabetes in Adults
Type 1 diabetes, traditionally associated with childhood onset, is increasingly recognized as a significant health concern among adults worldwide. With nearly half of all cases diagnosed during adulthood, there is a pressing need to delve deeper into the factors driving the development of this chronic condition in older individuals. In a groundbreaking study conducted at Karolinska Institutet, researchers have unveiled fresh insights into adult-onset type 1 diabetes, shedding light on its underlying mechanisms and heritability.
Published in Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, the study, led by Yuxia Wei, a PhD student at the Institute of Environmental Medicine, draws upon data from over 2.8 million individuals. The research aims to compare the heritability of type 1 diabetes in adults and children, providing a comprehensive understanding of the genetic and environmental factors influencing disease development across different age groups.
The findings of the study are significant, indicating that having a first-degree relative with type 1 diabetes significantly elevates the risk of developing the condition in adulthood, particularly if the relative developed diabetes early in life. However, the study also reveals a crucial distinction: while heritability remains a key factor in the development of type 1 diabetes, its impact is lower in adults compared to children.
Commenting on the implications of the study, Yuxia Wei emphasizes its contribution to our understanding of the causes of type 1 diabetes in adults. “Our study provides new insights on the causes of type 1 diabetes in adults,” she notes. “The lower heritability in adults suggests that environmental factors play a larger role for disease development in adults than children.”
These findings underscore the urgent need for further research to identify and understand the environmental factors contributing to adult-onset type 1 diabetes. By unraveling the complex interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental triggers, researchers hope to develop targeted interventions aimed at preventing the onset of the disease in adults.
Sofia Carlsson, senior lecturer at the Institute of Environmental Medicine, emphasizes the importance of this research in informing future interventions. “Understanding these factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions to prevent the disease’s development,” she explains, highlighting the potential of such interventions to alleviate the burden of type 1 diabetes among adults.
The study, financed by esteemed organizations including the Research Council, the Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare, the Diabetes Foundation, and the China Scholarship Council, marks a significant step forward in our understanding of adult-onset type 1 diabetes. As researchers continue to unravel the complexities of this condition, the findings pave the way for innovative strategies to mitigate its impact and improve the lives of millions affected worldwide.
For more information, the full publication is available in Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology under the title “Familial aggregation and heritability of childhood-onset and adult-onset type 1 diabetes: a Swedish register-based cohort study” by Yuxia Wei et al. [https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(24)00068-8]
