Children who experience stressful events such as a death or illness in the family, divorce or separation, could be three times more likely to develop type 1 diabetes. Swedish scientists analysed more than 10,000 families with children aged two to 14 who did not have the condition, looking at whether there was any family conflict, a change of family structure, interventions from social services or unemployment. Subsequently, 58 children were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The researchers found many were among those badly affected by events in their formative years. Children who experience stressful events such as a death or illness in the family, divorce or separation, could be three times more likely to develop type 1 diabetes (stock image above) The team at Linkoping University said that while the causes of type 1 diabetes are unknown, it is usually preceded by the body’s immune system killing so-called beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. They suggested damaging events in childhood could affect beta cells and raise insulin demands to cope with elevated levels of stress hormones. Other factors include viral infection, dietary habits, birth weight and early weight gain. The study concluded: ‘The experience of a serious life event during the first 14 years of life may be a risk factor. The study suggested damaging events in childhood could affect beta cells and raise insulin demands to cope with elevated levels of stress hormones. Above, a woman tests her blood sugar . 'The current study examined serious life events experienced at any time before diagnosis; further studies are thus needed to determine when in the autoimmune process psychological stress may contribute.' Genetic predisposition remains the most important factor, with a 12-fold increase in the risk of developing type 1 diabetes for a child from a family in which another close family member has it. The majority of people have type 2 diabetes, which is associated with being overweight, but more than 95 per cent of cases of diabetes in children are type 1 and rates have been increasing in recent years.
Swedish scientists analysed more than 10,000 families in the study.
58 children with diabetes had also been badly affected by previous events.
Other factors include viral infection, diet and early weight gain.