[New contributions to the etiology of insulin-dependent diabetes (author's transl)]

The present studies on the possible factors that can be implicated in the etiopathogenesis of diabetes are reviewed. The association between insulin-dependent diabetes and certain specifications of the HLA system are commented on, as well as the experimental studies and the clinical observations which indicate the possible relationship between this disease and some viruses. The role played by autoimmunity is thoroughly discussed, specially the significance of anti-pancreatic islet antibodies. Finally, new pathogenic theories and classifications of the disease are proposed.