posted 10/07/02
A new European study shows rapid growth at a young age is associated with an increased risk for type 1 diabetes.
More than 1,800 people participated in the multi-center study. Researchers found that height and weight significantly increased among type 1 diabetes patients starting one month after birth. The study also shows significant excesses in body mass index in type 1 diabetes patients from 6 months old. The largest differences in height and weight were shown between ages 1 and 2.
Researchers add that the role of the way an infant is fed remains unclear. They found the introduction of cow's milk, formula, or solid foods before 3 months old was not associated with an increased risk. However, researchers did find breastfeeding linked to an increased disease risk.
Researchers conclude that these findings support the idea that the distinction between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is becoming increasingly blurred. It is increasingly being showed that physical inactivity and weight gain lead to insulin resistance, which is responsible for the rising incidence of both types of diabetes in industrially developed societies.
Source: Ivanhoe Newswire: Diabetes Care, 2002;1755-1760.