Eating fruits, oats, and rye during childhood is associated with a higher risk of developing Type 1 diabetes (T1D), according to a new research to be presented at the annual European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) meeting in Madrid (September 9-13, 2024). The study also pointed out that consuming berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, was linked to a lower risk of developing the disease.
T1D Prevalence and Finland’s High Rate
Globally, T1D cases are on the rise. Finland has the highest incidence of T1D, with 52.2 cases per 100,000 children under 15. This figure is over five times higher than in the 1950s, highlighting the urgent need to explore environmental factors that could explain the sharp increase.
Professor Suvi Virtanen of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, who led this recent study, expressed concern about the lifelong impact of T1D. She emphasized that the disease not only requires constant medical care but also increases the risk of complications, including eye, nerve, kidney, and heart problems. Additionally, it can shorten life expectancy and contribute to significant healthcare costs.
CONNECTION BETWEEN CHILDHOOD DIET AND T1D RISK
Numerous studies have linked various foods to the autoimmune process that attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. However, many of these findings have been inconsistent or controversial due to a lack of high-quality evidence from prospective studies.
To address these gaps, Professor Virtanen and her team set out to explore whether childhood diet is associated with T1D development. The study followed 5,674 children in Finland with genetic susceptibility to T1D from birth to six years old. Researchers collected detailed food records, tracking each child’s diet and identifying associations between specific foods and the development of T1D.
KEY FINDINGS
By age six, 94 children in the study had developed T1D. Another 206 had developed islet autoimmunity, which places them at a high risk of developing T1D in the near future.
The study identified that eating more fruits, oats, and rye was linked to an increased risk of developing T1D. On the other hand, children who consumed more berries had lower odds of developing the condition. Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and blackcurrants seemed to offer some protection against T1D.
ROLE OF POLYPHENOLS IN BERRIES
One potential reason berries may protect against T1D lies in their high polyphenol content. Polyphenols are plant compounds known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which may help prevent the inflammation associated with T1D development.
According to Professor Virtanen, “Berries are particularly rich in polyphenols, plant compounds which may dampen the inflammation that is associated with the development of type 1 diabetes.”
PUZZLING CASE OF FRUIT AND GRAINS
The study’s findings concerning fruit and grains like oats and rye were unexpected. While fruits are typically considered healthy, the research showed that children who ate more fruit were at a higher risk of T1D.
One theory is that fruits may contain harmful substances that don’t appear in berries. For example, pesticides commonly found on fruits may play a role. This theory needs more research to confirm whether pesticides or other factors contribute to T1D risk.
WIDER DIETARY IMPLICATIONS: OTHER RISK FACTORS AND PROTECTIVE FOODS
In addition to fruits and grains, the study also found that oats, bananas, fermented dairy products like yogurt, and wheat were linked to an increased risk of islet autoimmunity. This finding is significant because it suggests that a variety of commonly consumed foods may influence T1D development.
On the flip side, cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, were associated with a reduced risk. These vegetables are packed with antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that might offer protection against the autoimmune attack on the pancreas.
UNDERSTANDING DIETARY IMPACT ON T1D: NEXT STEPS
One of the study’s most important contributions is its focus on a child’s entire diet rather than isolated foods. This comprehensive approach provides a clearer picture of the complex relationship between diet and T1D risk.
As Professor Virtanen notes, “It is important to find out which factors in these foods are responsible for these associations. Are the same causative or protective factors found in several foods?” Identifying specific elements in berries or other protective foods could eventually lead to new strategies to prevent T1D.
TOO EARLY FOR DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS
Although the research provides valuable insights, it’s still too early to make definitive dietary recommendations. Many foods linked to T1D risk, like fruits and grains, are generally considered healthy and play a vital role in overall nutrition.
Professor Virtanen urges caution: “It is important that our results are replicated in other studies before anyone considers making changes to their child’s diet.”
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects children. In T1D, the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to insufficient insulin levels. Without enough insulin, the body struggles to regulate blood sugar, leading to serious health complications.
The precise triggers of T1D remain unclear. Researchers believe it stems from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors, such as diet or viral infections. T1D is the most common form of diabetes among children, and cases have been rising worldwide. Experts predict the number of people with T1D will double by 2040, increasing from 8.4 million in 2021 to 17.4 million.