Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Possible Causes of It

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Other Environmental Factors Recent studies have found a positive association between zinc levels in drinking water and protection against diabetes. Magnesium levels in tap water have been shown to be related to diabetes protection as well, however conflicting evidence resides with this. The protections that zinc may provide is unclear. Despite possible relationships with heavy metals and diabetes, more research must be done to ascertain the actual relationship.

Of all the evidence presented here, researchers have been unable to find the exact cause for development of IDDM. What we do know is that genetically susceptible individuals have an increased risk for diabetes. As displayed here, researchers have located genes that seem to predispose individuals to diabetes. Genes are not enough however, because not everyone who has these genes develops diabetes. Environmental factors are another part of the picture. Whether it is milk proteins, viral infections, or impaired gut function, those with genetic susceptibility tend to develop the disease after exposure to these. Identifying which factor is responsible has been difficult because exact mechanisms of the body are still unclear and tests to determine these things may not be specific or have not yet been developed. Plus, isolating one factor is not reasonable because there are a lot of overlaps in immune functions and genetics. All in all, research is headed in the right direction, but for now there is still no known cause for IDDM.

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Chris Theberge is the founder of the Nutrition and Food Web Archive, NutriWeb Designs, and Dietitian Designs. Visit http://www.nafwa.org for free nutrition and food-related resources.

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