New research suggests that specific dietary choices may elevate the risk of type 1 diabetes in children. Findings to be presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) conference in Spain indicate that diets high in oats, rye, certain fruits, and some fermented dairy products may be associated with a greater risk of developing the autoimmune condition.
Conversely, consuming berries, including strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, appears to be linked to a reduced risk. Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing pancreatic cells, requires lifelong insulin therapy and can lead to significant health complications and high medical costs.
The study, conducted by researchers from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, analyzed the diets of over 5,600 Finnish children with a genetic predisposition for type 1 diabetes from birth to age six. By this age, 94 children had developed type 1 diabetes, and 206 had shown signs of islet autoimmunity, indicating a likely progression to type 1 diabetes.
The research, considered groundbreaking for its comprehensive dietary analysis, found that higher consumption of oats, rye, bananas, and wheat was associated with an increased risk, while berries and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage seemed to offer protective benefits. Researchers hypothesize that the polyphenols in berries might reduce inflammation linked to type 1 diabetes, while other fruits might contain harmful substances not found in berries.
Study co-author Suvi Virtanen emphasized the need for further investigation to identify the specific factors in these foods that contribute to either risk or protection. She cautioned against immediate dietary changes, noting that the study’s findings are preliminary and need replication in future research.
Experts concur that while the research offers valuable insights, it is too early to make definitive dietary recommendations. Kevin McConway, an emeritus professor of applied statistics, highlighted that the observational nature of the study limits its conclusions, stressing the need for peer-reviewed publication and further analysis.