LONDON, Nov 16 (BBC): Scientists say they now understand why type 1 diabetes is more aggressive in young children, especially those diagnosed under the age of seven. New research shows the pancreas is still developing at that age, making its insulin-producing cells far more vulnerable to immune system attacks.
Pancreas Still Developing in Early Childhood
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system destroys beta cells in the pancreas — the cells that release insulin and control blood sugar levels.
Researchers found that in young children, these beta cells are still forming. They exist as small clusters or even single cells before eventually maturing into larger groups known as Islets of Langerhans.
The study revealed that the immune system tends to destroy the small immature clusters first, before they have a chance to mature. Older, larger clusters survive longer, producing small amounts of insulin and reducing disease severity.
Study Examined 250 Pancreas Samples
The findings, published in Science Advances, are based on pancreas samples from 250 donors of different ages.
Researchers at the University of Exeter compared how beta cells develop normally and how they change when type 1 diabetes begins.
They found that earlier in life, beta cells have less protection and are easier for the immune system to “pick off,” causing a fast and aggressive onset of the disease in young children.
Family Shares Experience With Childhood Diagnosis
Type 1 diabetes affects around 400,000 people in the UK.
Gracie, an eight-year-old from Merseyside, became critically ill at age one. Her father, Gareth, said she went from being healthy to almost dying in less than two days.
The family had to learn how to manage food intake, monitor blood sugar and use insulin quickly. Gracie now uses a glucose monitor and insulin pump. Her father says she is “bossing diabetes.”
New Drugs May Delay or Slow the Disease
Dr Sarah Richardson from the University of Exeter said the findings bring hope.
New immunotherapy drugs may delay the disease by protecting beta cells long enough for them to mature.
One drug, teplizumab, is already licensed in the UK. It can slow the immune attack on beta cells, although it is not yet available on the NHS.
Screening healthy children for early signs of the disease is also being explored.
“Missing Piece of the Puzzle,” Say Experts
The research forms part of the Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge, led by Diabetes UK, Breakthrough T1D and the Steve Morgan Foundation.
Rachel Connor of Breakthrough T1D said the study “provides a missing piece of the puzzle” by explaining why the disease progresses quickly in young children.
Dr Elizabeth Robertson of Diabetes UK said uncovering this mechanism will help scientists develop new immunotherapies that could give children more years without needing insulin — and may one day prevent the disease entirely.
This news was originally published by BBC.