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Host and environmental interactions in diabetes mellitus
Journal of Chronic Diseases
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Epidemiologic research is crucial for understanding the geographic variations and genetic factors in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Further population studies are needed to explore risk factors and gene-environment interactions in non-insulin dependent diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
Background:
- Significant advances in understanding diabetes mellitus etiology exist.
- Unresolved issues in diabetes research warrant further epidemiologic investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current issues in diabetes research from an epidemiologic perspective.
- To highlight areas where epidemiologic research can contribute to understanding IDDM and non-insulin dependent diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing diabetes research.
- Discussion of potential epidemiologic study designs, including registries.
- Emphasis on population perspective for genetic and autoimmune findings.
Main Results:
- Geographic variations in IDDM incidence (36-fold) require epidemiologic study.
- Epidemiologic considerations are vital for IDDM immunotherapy trials.
- Limited knowledge exists on risk factors and gene-environment interactions in non-insulin dependent diabetes.
Conclusions:
- Epidemiologic research is essential for clarifying IDDM etiology and optimizing treatment.
- Large-scale prospective studies are needed to identify risk factors, including diet and physical activity, and their interaction with genetic predisposition in non-insulin dependent diabetes.