What science understands about why Type 1 diabetes happens: autoimmunity, genetics, environmental and viral triggers, and the gaps researchers are still working to close.
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Researchers used CRISPR gene editing to modify insulin-producing cells so they could evade the immune system. Early results from one patient suggest the approach may be worth pursuing further.
A small clinical trial at University of Chicago is testing an islet cell transplant procedure for people with Type 1 diabetes. Early reports from three patients show varied results, with some reducing insulin use.
Researchers developed a gel containing graphene oxide and an oxygen-releasing compound that could help protect pancreatic beta cells after transplantation. Early lab tests show promise for future Type 1 diabetes therapies.
A new study of teenagers with Type 1 diabetes found that muscle mass, not fatty liver, was linked to early signs of blood vessel changes. Here's what that means for cardiovascular risk.
Researchers in Tunisia found distinct antibody patterns linked to two potential environmental factors in newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes patients. The findings add to growing evidence about what might trigger the autoimmune attack on insulin-producing cells.
A study of nearly 370 children and teens found that DKA cases did peak in winter months, but the pattern may not be as simple as the season itself. Other factors—like infections and access to care—may play a bigger role.
New research identifies molecular markers that may help predict which children with diabetic ketoacidosis face greater risk of kidney damage.
Researchers found that a naturally occurring molecule is more active during periods when Type 1 diabetes improves on its own. New studies suggest it may help the immune system calm down and support insulin-producing cells.
New research suggests that changes in gut bacteria may play a role in Type 1 diabetes development, not just as a result of the disease. Scientists are working to understand how the microbiota, immune system, and pancreas communicate.
Researchers have long suspected that viral infections play a role in Type 1 diabetes onset. New evidence is clarifying which viruses matter most and how they might contribute to the disease.
New research suggests physical activity could play a role in reducing the autoimmune attack on insulin-producing cells. While early findings are promising, scientists say much more work is needed to understand how exercise influences Type 1 diabetes at the immune level.
Researchers have developed a computational method that analyzes gut bacteria patterns to detect early warning signs of Type 1 diabetes. The approach could eventually help identify people at risk before the disease emerges.
Scientists have examined pancreatic tissue from 88 donors to map the immune changes that happen in the earliest stages of type 1 diabetes. The findings point to specific immune cells that may drive the disease before beta cells are extensively damaged.
Researchers analyzed two decades of data on early-onset chronic kidney disease to understand how the condition affects young people worldwide and predict future trends.
Researchers have identified immune cell signatures in the blood that could improve how doctors identify people at risk for Type 1 diabetes. This advance could help refine who needs closer monitoring and earlier intervention.
Scientists are uncovering how mutations in a gene called IFIH1 affect the immune system's ability to detect viruses—and may influence who develops Type 1 diabetes. Understanding this connection could open new doors for targeted treatments.
Researchers identified two RNA markers that distinguish which patients respond to a three-drug combination therapy in latent autoimmune diabetes. The findings could pave the way for personalized treatment strategies in this understudied diabetes type.
A genetic study finds evidence that both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes raise the risk of pyelonephritis, a serious infection of the kidneys. The connection appears to be direct, not simply caused by weight or blood sugar changes.
A new review examines how vitamin A influences pancreatic beta cells and the immune system in Type 1 diabetes. The findings suggest vitamin A plays a complex role that could inform future nutritional approaches.
Scientists used genetic analysis to identify three genes involved in lactate processing that may influence Type 1 diabetes risk. The findings could help researchers better understand how metabolism and immunity connect in the disease.
New research in diabetic rats suggests that specific probiotics may help protect testicular function by affecting how genes are regulated at the molecular level. The findings point to a potential link between gut microbiota and reproductive complications in Type 1 diabetes.
Scientists are uncovering how extracellular vesicles—microscopic packages that cells use to communicate—may play a role in Type 1 diabetes development. Understanding these messengers could open new doors for diagnosis and treatment.
A new study shows that children identified through genetic screening and followed closely before diagnosis experience milder disease onset and better outcomes in their first year.
Type 1 diabetes develops gradually over years before symptoms appear, creating a window of opportunity for early intervention. Teplizumab (Tzield) is the first FDA-approved therapy designed to delay this progression in children and teens.
Scientists have identified autoantibodies—proteins in the blood—as reliable markers that someone may develop Type 1 diabetes. A major review examined decades of research to understand how well these tests work across different populations.
New research in mice suggests that intermittent fasting helps preserve heart function in type 1 diabetes by changing gut bacteria and producing a protective metabolite. While early, these findings point to a new way to think about managing diabetes-related heart complications.
A rat study found that both moderate and intense exercise reversed harmful changes in microRNA expression linked to Type 1 diabetes. The findings suggest exercise may work at a cellular level to improve blood sugar control.
A survey of 410 patients in China reveals gaps in understanding diabetic nephropathy, a serious complication that affects the kidneys. Knowledge, attitudes, and everyday practices all play a role in whether people take steps to protect their kidney health.
A small clinical trial found that taking mealtime insulin 15 minutes before eating led to better blood sugar control and increased blood flow to the heart compared to injecting insulin after meals began.
Researchers have identified a marker that appears on harmful immune cells in Type 1 diabetes, and early evidence suggests targeting these cells could prevent the disease without suppressing the entire immune system.
New research reveals that chemical modifications to DNA and related molecules can alter how blood-forming cells develop, potentially driving the immune attack on insulin-producing cells. Understanding these epigenetic changes may open new avenues for prevention and treatment.
A major study validates that changes in gene activity shortly after diagnosis are linked to how quickly insulin production declines. These findings could eventually help doctors understand why the disease progresses differently from person to person.
Researchers are finding that viral, bacterial, and other infections can damage hormone-producing glands through multiple pathways. Understanding these connections could help doctors recognize and prevent long-term complications.
A new systematic review and meta-analysis examines whether respiratory infections in pregnancy and early childhood are connected to the development of islet autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes. Here's what the evidence shows so far.
Researchers analyzed decades of health data to understand how inherited genes affect kidney function in people with Type 1 diabetes. The findings could help identify who may need closer monitoring.
Early research in mice and cell cultures suggests that 4-methylumbelliferone may help preserve the pancreatic beta cells that are destroyed in Type 1 diabetes. Scientists are still working to understand how it works and whether it could eventually help people.
Scientists are discovering that measuring inflammatory signals in the blood could provide a more complete picture of Type 1 diabetes development than antibody tests alone. This new understanding may eventually lead to better ways to identify who is at risk—and when to intervene.
Researchers are exploring whether specially designed bacteria that produce specific immune-regulating compounds could delay or prevent type 1 diabetes in at-risk individuals. Early laboratory studies in mice show promise for this novel approach.
New research reveals that Coxsackievirus B uses a clever trick to hide from one part of the immune system while triggering another. Understanding this imbalance could help researchers design better ways to prevent the virus from triggering autoimmunity.
A new study reveals that overweight and obesity are common among young people with type 1 diabetes, and higher insulin needs may be a clue to what's happening.
Type 1 diabetes requires both inherited genetic risk and exposure to environmental triggers. New research approaches are helping scientists understand how these pieces fit together and identify who is at highest risk.
A large analysis of safety reports found that certain immunotherapy combinations used to treat liver cancer were associated with a heightened signal for fulminant Type 1 diabetes, alongside other serious immune-related side effects. Understanding these risks helps doctors and patients make informed treatment decisions.
A large study of Spanish adults with Type 1 diabetes found that nearly one in three screened positive for disordered eating behaviors. Women, those with higher blood sugar levels, and people reporting poorer health faced the greatest risk.
New research shows that automated insulin delivery systems reduce serious complications compared to traditional insulin injections. Understanding the real-world impact—and the costs involved—matters for patients, families, and healthcare systems.
Researchers have developed a method to detect rapid changes in blood proteins that signal the early stages of type 1 diabetes, offering hope for interventions before symptoms appear. The approach uses tiny blood samples collected frequently at home.
New research suggests that the HLA-DRB1*04:05 genetic variant, which increases Type 1 diabetes risk, is also associated with how well immune checkpoint inhibitors work in advanced cancer patients. The finding raises questions about the connection between autoimmune risk and cancer treatment response.
New research in rats suggests that Dendrobium huoshanense, a traditional plant remedy, changes the composition of gut microbiota in ways that might help explain its blood sugar-lowering effects.
Researchers are studying a new framework called Stage 0 to identify people who may be at risk for Type 1 diabetes before their immune system begins attacking the pancreas. Early detection could open doors to prevention strategies.
Researchers are working to identify genetic variations that might explain why some people with Type 1 diabetes experience eye and kidney damage while others don't. A new study replicates previous findings to narrow down the most promising leads.
A new study reveals that aortic stenosis and diastolic dysfunction—two conditions that often occur together in heart failure—may share common genetic drivers. Understanding these connections could help doctors identify at-risk patients earlier.
Scientists are using artificial intelligence to identify which pancreatic cells stop working properly in type 2 diabetes, a discovery that could help researchers understand disease progression and develop better treatments.
A case report documents a family in which multiple siblings developed Type 1 diabetes after recovering from COVID-19, raising questions about viral infections as potential environmental triggers in people with genetic susceptibility.
Researchers are investigating why some people with Type 1 diabetes avoid heart disease despite having risk factors. But experts say the study needs clarification on who qualifies as 'resilient' and how findings will hold up.
Researchers discovered that children with type 1 diabetes were less likely to have been infected with a common parasite than healthy children, raising questions about whether parasites might influence autoimmune disease risk.
A new study of adults with Type 1 diabetes finds that higher intake of ultra-processed foods is linked to unhealthy cholesterol patterns and changes in gut bacteria. Understanding these connections may help inform dietary choices.
New research reveals that pancreatic alpha cells share antiviral defenses similar to bats—and a key protective gene called ISG15 may explain why beta cells are more vulnerable to diabetogenic viruses.
A large study tracking people with Type 1 diabetes for over a decade found that preserving your own insulin production—measured by C-peptide—is linked to lower risk of serious complications.
A new study finds that people with Type 1 diabetes show differences in how their brain cortex is folded, and these changes appear linked to both white matter damage and thinking problems. The findings suggest brain structure may help explain why some people with Type 1 diabetes experience cognitive decline.
Researchers tracked nearly 20,000 Danish newborns and found no link between vitamin D levels in infancy and later development of Type 1 diabetes or eight other autoimmune conditions. The finding challenges the idea that early vitamin D exposure shapes autoimmune disease risk.
A large international study found that children and parents participating in diabetes research stay satisfied and committed—and certain factors make the experience more meaningful for families.
Scientists discovered that regulatory immune cells can be trained to recognize and calm down against neoantigens—unusual proteins created when insulin-producing cells are under stress. This finding may open new paths for preventing Type 1 diabetes.
Researchers have identified distinct metabolic patterns in two forms of autoimmune diabetes, with tryptophan metabolism emerging as a key difference. These findings may help explain why LADA and Type 1 diabetes develop differently in the body.
New research reveals that the composition and health of our gut microbiome—the trillions of bacteria living in our digestive system—appears connected to Type 1 diabetes risk. Understanding these links may open doors to new prevention strategies.
A new laboratory study shows that iscalimab, an antibody designed to dampen immune responses, works well against B cells but falls short against the T cells that drive Type 1 diabetes.
A large genetic study has identified new biological pathways linked to diabetic peripheral neuropathy, particularly involving how the body produces and uses serine, an amino acid. These findings may eventually lead to new approaches for preventing or treating this common diabetes complication.
LADA is a form of diabetes that shares features with both Type 1 and Type 2, making it hard to diagnose. Researchers are studying blood markers that might help doctors spot it earlier and more accurately.
A newly published review examines how a specific type of RNA modification called m6A influences immune cells in Type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune conditions. Understanding this mechanism could open new research directions for treatment strategies.
Researchers found that a specific variant in the CTLA-4 gene appears more frequently in people with Type 1 diabetes from Iraq's Kurdish population. The discovery adds to our understanding of the genetic factors that influence diabetes risk.
A new study reveals that anesthesiologists in Canadian hospitals manage blood sugar before surgery in surprisingly different ways—and those differences may affect patient safety.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors, powerful cancer drugs, can rarely trigger Type 1 diabetes as a side effect. Doctors stress the importance of blood sugar monitoring during treatment to catch the condition early.
Scientists are learning how a critical protein called MAFA helps pancreatic beta cells mature and function properly—and what happens when it goes wrong in Type 1 diabetes.
A new review of published research reveals important similarities and differences in how diabetic foot ulcers develop and heal between people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Understanding these patterns matters for better patient care.
A recent animal study found that prolonged high blood sugar from Type 1 diabetes can trigger changes in key brain regions involved in memory and decision-making. Researchers are working to understand exactly what happens and whether these findings apply to people.
New research shows that a naturally occurring protein plays a role in maintaining a healthy intestinal lining and controlling inflammation during type 1 diabetes. Understanding this connection could open new avenues for research into gut health and diabetes.
Researchers are exploring whether radiofrequency signals could help restore the thymus's ability to prevent autoimmune attacks on insulin-producing cells. A new hypothesis suggests this fundamental immune process could be reset.
A study using specialized technology found that people with Type 1 diabetes have difficulty maintaining balance, especially when relying on vision or inner ear function. These findings could help develop better fall-prevention strategies.
Having type 2 diabetes—even if you take insulin—does not mean you will develop type 1 diabetes. These are two distinct conditions with different causes.
A new study reveals that people with Type 1 diabetes show altered levels of sphingosine-1-phosphate, a molecule that controls immune cell movement. These findings could help explain how the immune system goes awry in Type 1 diabetes.
New research identifies a specific genetic variation in the CTLA-4 gene that appears more common in children with Type 1 diabetes. Understanding these genetic connections helps scientists learn more about why some people develop the condition.
A Polish research team tracked new Type 1 diabetes diagnoses across nearly 7,000 children and found that more than half presented with dangerous blood acid buildup at the time they were diagnosed—a trend that worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A boy diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 4 turned out to have a rare genetic condition called Wolfram syndrome. His story shows why careful evaluation—and sometimes genetic testing—matters.
A large study reveals that children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at different ages show distinct differences in their gut bacteria, metabolism, and immune responses. These findings could help researchers better understand why Type 1 diabetes develops differently in different children.
Scientists are examining how two hormones produced by fat tissue—adiponectin and leptin—relate to cardiovascular risk in people with long-term Type 1 diabetes. Early findings suggest leptin may play a role, though more work is needed to understand what this means for clinical care.
A case study of a man with type 1 diabetes who experienced a stroke after a heart procedure highlights the cardiovascular risks that people with type 1 diabetes face—and why managing multiple health conditions together matters.
A new study from China reveals that people with Type 1 diabetes have distinctly different gut bacteria than healthy individuals. Understanding these differences could help researchers develop new ways to support diabetes management.
A study of children with celiac disease reveals how a gluten-free diet helps the body heal—and what happens when Type 1 diabetes is also present. Here's what parents and caregivers need to know.
A new study finds that the bacteria in breastmilk mature on a slower timeline for women with Type 1 diabetes compared to those without the condition. Understanding this difference may help researchers learn more about how Type 1 diabetes affects early infant health.
New research is revealing the genetic, immune, and environmental triggers that lead to Type 1 diabetes years before symptoms appear. Understanding these mechanisms is opening doors to earlier detection and new treatment approaches.
New research shows that blood glucose patterns shift across different phases of the menstrual cycle in women using automated insulin delivery systems. Understanding these changes could help improve diabetes management.
A medical case report shows how ketoacidosis in people with Type 1 diabetes can stem from multiple causes at once, making diagnosis and treatment more challenging than standard approaches.
A new study reveals that a protein called CD137, produced by immune cells that normally prevent autoimmune disease, functions in two distinct forms—each playing a separate role in holding back Type 1 diabetes development.
Researchers used advanced genetic analysis to understand how Coxsackievirus B—a virus suspected of triggering Type 1 diabetes—damages pancreatic islet cells. The findings challenge previous assumptions about which cells the virus targets.
Scientists are studying how specific proteins behave differently in healthy and diabetic kidneys to better understand diabetic nephropathy, a serious complication that can lead to kidney failure.
New research reveals that people with Down syndrome have higher rates of type 1 diabetes due to immune system differences and gut health changes. Understanding these connections could improve screening and care.
New research shows that Type 1 diabetes develops when genetic vulnerability meets environmental triggers—particularly viral infection. Understanding this interplay is key to developing prevention strategies.
A blood cancer treatment called peginterferon-alpha can activate autoimmune diseases in susceptible people, including Type 1 diabetes. Understanding the risks and early warning signs matters for patients and their doctors.
New research mapping HLA genes in Russian populations reveals that genetic risk factors for Type 1 diabetes are unevenly distributed. Understanding these differences could help identify who is at highest risk.
A new study found that pediatric patients who received weekly telephone consultations about their diabetes had better blood sugar control and fewer complications than those who only saw their doctor at regular clinic visits.
New research explains the connection between celiac disease and Type 1 diabetes in children, and what families managing both conditions should know.
A new case report highlights how influenza infection can unmask type 1 diabetes in people with autoimmune thyroid disease. Here's what you should know about the connection.
Researchers are using pancreas studies to understand how Type 1 diabetes actually develops, revealing that traditional ways of classifying diabetes can miss important clues about what's really happening in the body.
Researchers tracked type 1 diabetes diagnoses across Sweden from 2007 to 2023 to understand whether SARS-CoV-2 infection increases the risk of developing the condition. The findings offer important clues but not definitive answers.
A new study examined the blood proteins of people with decades of Type 1 diabetes who remained free from major complications, compared to those who developed them quickly. The findings may help explain who is at highest risk.
A new study finds that the Android Artificial Pancreas System—an affordable, open-source alternative to commercial insulin pumps—improved blood sugar control and quality of life for people with Type 1 diabetes in Brazil.
New research shows that dendritic cells—immune cells that present antigens to other immune cells—play a central role in the breakdown of tolerance that leads to Type 1 diabetes. Understanding their function may open new doors to preventing the disease.
Doctors discovered that a woman's rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and severe digestive problems were all caused by a rare genetic immune condition called LRBA deficiency. Her case shows how multiple autoimmune diseases can sometimes point to a single underlying immune disorder.
A large study tracking thousands of genetically at-risk children found no consistent connection between dietary vitamins A and E and the development of islet autoimmunity or Type 1 diabetes.
A large study from Hong Kong examined whether a common cholesterol medication helps prevent heart disease in older people with type 2 diabetes. Here's what the research shows.
Researchers found that lipoprotein(a), a genetic risk factor for heart disease, changes more than previously thought in young people with Type 1 diabetes. This discovery could change how doctors assess cardiovascular risk in this population.