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November 9, 2006

Research: Causes and Prevention

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Question from Brooklyn, New York, USA:

Why is it that usually thin or normal weight individuals develop type 1 diabetes? Is it because they are making less insulin than overweight people?

Answer:

From: DTeam Staff

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where the pancreas is attacked for reasons that are partly genetic and otherwise unknown. Something in the environment, a virus, chemical, food, etc. is a likely precipitant in those genetically susceptible. Nobody knows why this is more common in thin rather than obese/overweight people.

SB