Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

A High-Throughput Multiplexed Screening for Type 1 Diabetes, Celiac Diseases, and COVID-19
06:46

A High-Throughput Multiplexed Screening for Type 1 Diabetes, Celiac Diseases, and COVID-19

Published on: July 5, 2022

Association between childhood obesity and subsequent Type 1 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

K C Verbeeten1, C E Elks, D Daneman

  • 1Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.

Diabetic Medicine : a Journal of the British Diabetic Association
|December 21, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity is linked to a higher risk of developing Type 1 diabetes. Preventing obesity may help reduce Type 1 diabetes incidence.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Pediatrics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern.
  • Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition affecting children.
  • The relationship between childhood obesity and Type 1 diabetes risk requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and synthesize existing research on the association between childhood obesity and the risk of developing Type 1 diabetes.
  • To evaluate the strength and consistency of evidence linking childhood obesity to subsequent Type 1 diabetes.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic search of the PubMed database was conducted.
  • Studies included used childhood obesity metrics (BMI, %weight-for-height) as exposure and Type 1 diabetes as outcome.
  • Inclusion criteria required obesity assessment to precede Type 1 diabetes diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • Nine studies (8 case-control, 1 cohort) involving 2658 cases were analyzed.
  • Seven studies found a significant association between childhood obesity and increased Type 1 diabetes risk.
  • Meta-analyses indicated a pooled odds ratio of 2.03 for categorical obesity and 1.25 per standard deviation increase in BMI for Type 1 diabetes risk.

Conclusions:

  • Evidence supports an association between childhood obesity and an elevated risk of subsequent Type 1 diabetes.
  • Potential causal mechanisms linking obesity and Type 1 diabetes are being explored.
  • Preventing childhood obesity may offer an additional benefit of reducing Type 1 diabetes incidence.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report05:10

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report

Published on: May 30, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Type I Diabetes I: Introduction01:12

Type I Diabetes I: Introduction

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin resulting from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. The loss of insulin production impairs cellular glucose uptake, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia and necessitating lifelong insulin therapy.Autoimmune Destruction of β-CellsThe hallmark of type 1 diabetes is an...
Type II Diabetes I: Introduction01:26

Type II Diabetes I: Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance, in which target tissues such as the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue respond poorly to insulin. It is also associated with inadequate compensatory insulin secretion, where pancreatic β-cells fail to produce sufficient insulin. Together, these abnormalities lead to persistent hyperglycemia.EtiologyT2DM develops through a complex interaction of genetic predisposition and environmental or...
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology01:26

Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

Type 1 diabetes mellitus arises from an immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin. This process develops in genetically susceptible individuals when autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and immunologic dysregulation converge to trigger a targeted attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The β-cells are located within the islets of Langerhans and are essential for regulating blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of...
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology01:24

Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

PathophysiologyType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM ) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. It results from interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stressors, such as overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Insulin Resistance and Glucose DysregulationEarly T2DM involves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. The condition affects millions worldwide and can significantly impact their health and quality of life.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational

Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...