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Is affluence a risk factor for bronchial asthma and type 1 diabetes?
Alberto Tedeschi1, Lorena Airaghi
1Second Division of Internal Medicine, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli and Regine Elena, Milan, Italy. albited@alice.it
Summary
Rising rates of asthma and type 1 diabetes in affluent nations are linked to higher gross national product (GNP). Lower infant mortality rates also correlate with increased incidence of these immune-mediated diseases.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Increasing incidence of bronchial asthma and type 1 diabetes observed in affluent countries.
- Positive association between asthma and type 1 diabetes demonstrated at the population level.
- Hypothesized link to altered environmental and lifestyle conditions, potentially related to socio-economic status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between the occurrence of type 1 diabetes and asthma with gross national product (GNP) and infant mortality rate.
- To test the hypothesis that socio-economic factors influence the rising trends of these immune-mediated diseases.
Main Methods:
- Cross-national correlation analysis using GNP and infant mortality rate data.
- Inclusion of European and extra-European countries in the study.
- Statistical analysis of correlations (Spearman rank correlation coefficient, r(sp)) and significance (p-values).
Main Results:
- Positive correlation found between GNP and incidence of type 1 diabetes and asthma in both European and extra-European countries.
- Inverse correlation observed between infant mortality rate and both diseases in Europe.
- Significant negative correlation between infant mortality and asthma in extra-European countries, with a non-significant trend for type 1 diabetes.
Conclusions:
- Type 1 diabetes and asthma are positively associated with GNP at the population level.
- Lower infant mortality rates are linked to higher incidences of these immune-mediated diseases.
- Reduced exposure to infectious agents in high socio-economic status settings may increase susceptibility to asthma and type 1 diabetes.
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