Summary
Scientists have found out why type 1 diabetes is more severe in young children. Their research showed that the pancreas, which helps control blood sugar, is still developing in children under seven, making it more vulnerable to damage. New drugs might help manage the disease by allowing the pancreas more time to mature.
Key Facts
- Type 1 diabetes happens when the immune system attacks cells in the pancreas responsible for controlling blood sugar.
- The pancreas continues to develop in children, especially those under seven, making it more susceptible to damage from type 1 diabetes.
- Researchers at the University of Exeter studied pancreas samples from 250 people to understand how beta cells develop and function.
- Beta cells release insulin, a hormone that helps sugar move into cells for energy.
- If beta cells are in small groups, they are easily destroyed by the immune system; if they form larger clusters, they are more resilient.
- New drugs, like teplizumab, might help delay the onset of type 1 diabetes by protecting beta cells.
- Type 1 diabetes affects about 400,000 people in the UK.
- The research is part of the Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge, involving various organizations like Diabetes UK and Breakthrough T1D.
