This article is from the WebMD News Archive
Cold Virus May Trigger Type 1 Diabetes
Children With Diabetes 10 Times More Likely to Have Enterovirus Infection
Reviewed by
Laura J. Martin, MD
Feb. 3, 2011 -- A common cold virus could trigger type 1 diabetes in at-risk children, a new research review suggests.
The finding could help explain a dramatic rise in diabetes incidence among very young children, and could even lead to better ways to prevent and treat the disease, researchers say.
The analysis of 26 studies published today in the journal BMJ Online First revealed that children with type 1 diabetes are almost 10 times more likely to show signs of enterovirus infection than children without the disease.
Enteroviruses are the second leading viral cause of cold-like symptoms in children, after rhinoviruses.
Enteroviruses and Type 1 Diabetes
Researchers have long believed that genetic predisposition, the immune system, and environmental triggers interact to cause type 1 diabetes, a disease that affects nearly one in 400 children and adolescents in the U.S., according to the American Diabetes Association.
Enteroviruses have been on the radar as a possible disease trigger for decades. While some studies have found evidence of a link, others have not.
The newly published analysis was the first to combine results from molecular enterovirus-diabetes studies, and the findings were clear, says researcher Maria E. Craig, PhD, of the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia.
“We saw a very strong association between enterovirus infection and type 1 diabetes," Craig tells WebMD. “Obviously studies like the ones we looked at cannot prove cause and effect, but the findings make a strong case for this association.”
Since enteroviruses are made up of ribonucleic acid (RNA) and proteins, the studies included in the analysis measured RNA or protein in the blood, stool, or tissues of type 1 diabetic or pre-diabetic patients and compared them with people who did not have the disease.
Children with type 1 diabetes were 9.8 times more likely to be infected with enterovirus than children without the disease and those with pre-diabetes were three times more likely to have the infection than other children.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Is This Normal?
Get the Facts Fast!Answer:
Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia). |
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Become a Rite Aid wellness+ for diabetes member and get:
- Diet tips and fitness ideas
- Tools and trackers to help monitor your blood sugar and more
- Special offers and money-saving coupons
This tool is not intended for women who are pregnant.
