Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
06:27
Accelerated Type 1 Diabetes Induction in Mice by Adoptive Transfer of Diabetogenic CD4+ T Cells
Published on: May 6, 2013
The prenatal environment and type 1 diabetes.
1Division of Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway. lars.christian.stene@fhi.no
Diabetologia
|May 10, 2013
Summary
Environmental factors influence type 1 diabetes (T1D) aetiology. This review explores the intrauterine environment
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Environmental factors are implicated in type 1 diabetes (T1D) development.
- The role of the intrauterine environment in T1D is under investigation.
- Autoantibodies for T1D can be detected early, suggesting prenatal environmental influences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential role of the intrauterine environment in the aetiology of type 1 diabetes.
- To examine evidence for maternal factors influencing T1D risk.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on maternal and intrauterine factors in type 1 diabetes.
- Analysis of associations between maternal age, birthweight, mode of delivery, and T1D risk.
- Consideration of evidence from enteroviral infections and nutritional exposures.
Main Results:
- Indirect evidence suggests a potential protective effect of the intrauterine environment.
- Maternal T1D is less likely to be transmitted than paternal T1D.
- Increased risk associated with maternal age and high birthweight is weak and heterogeneous.
- Caesarean section delivery shows a slightly increased risk, possibly due to reduced microbial exposure.
Conclusions:
- Circumstantial evidence suggests maternal/intrauterine conditions may modulate genetic risk for T1D.
- The precise timing and mechanisms of environmental influence before or after birth remain unclear.
- Further research is needed to establish a causal link between the intrauterine environment and T1D development.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Type 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...
01:22Diabetes 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...
01:26Type 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...
01:26Type 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...
01:20Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
01:22Diabetes 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...
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...