Researchers from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare have identified potential dietary influences on the risk of developing type 1 diabetes (T1D) in genetically predisposed children. The study highlights that bananas, oats, and yogurt may elevate risk, while berries might offer protective benefits.
A recent study by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare has uncovered potential dietary links to type 1 diabetes (T1D) risk in children with genetic predispositions. The research, which tracked 5,674 Finnish children from birth to age six, found that consumption of bananas, oats, and yogurt might increase the likelihood of developing T1D. Conversely, strawberries, blueberries, and other berries were associated with a lower risk.
Among the study participants, 94 children developed T1D, and 206 exhibited signs of islet autoimmunity, an early indicator of the disease. Researchers noted that some fruits might contain pesticides, which could contribute to the increased risk, whereas berries are less likely to have such contaminants.
The study’s authors emphasize that these findings are preliminary and caution against making dietary recommendations for infants at this time.
Additionally, a related study from the Netherlands, presented at the same conference, found that “night owls” face a nearly 50% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, potentially due to lifestyle factors or disruptions in circadian rhythms.