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Does farm environment protect against type 1 diabetes mellitus?
Sanna M M Heikkinen1, Janne M Pitkäniemi, Maritta L Kilpeläinen
1Department of Public Health, Hjelt Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. sanna.mm.heikkinen@helsinki.fi
Diabetes & Vascular Disease Research
|February 28, 2013
Summary
Childhood farm exposure may reduce type 1 diabetes risk. This study suggests environmental microorganisms on farms offer protection against type 1 diabetes mellitus in children.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
Background:
- The hygiene hypothesis links reduced microbial exposure to increased allergies and asthma.
- Its role in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) remains under-investigated.
- Childhood farm environments offer unique microbial exposures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between childhood farm environment and T1DM prevalence in Finnish children.
- To explore the potential protective effects of early-life rural exposures.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study of 5805 participants was conducted in 2007.
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus prevalence was analyzed based on rural exposure before age 18.
- Bayesian methods were used for association estimation and testing.
Main Results:
- Suggestive evidence indicated an inverse association between childhood farm environment and T1DM occurrence.
- The association, while consistent, did not reach conclusive statistical significance.
- Further research with larger cohorts is warranted.
Conclusions:
- Exposure to diverse environmental microorganisms in childhood may confer a protective effect against T1DM.
- Findings support the need for larger-scale studies to confirm the hygiene hypothesis in relation to T1DM.
- Early-life microbial exposure is a promising area for T1DM prevention research.
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