For those interested, this website summarizes the scientific studies that look at the various environmental factors (including all mentioned here) and type 1 diabetes (also some info on type 2 and gestational diabetes): www.diabetesandenvironment.org.
It's *clear* that this rise is not just genetic-- many studies have found that type 1 is now showing up in people who are less genetically susceptible than in the past. And, that the susceptibility genes are becoming *less* frequent over time.
It may be that a combination of various factors may contribute. Pollution and type 1 have not really been studied, thus the lack of evidence. We need more studies in this area: a number of contaminants can affect beta cells, insulin secretion, autoimmunity, etc., and these factors may very well be involved in the development of type 1.
It is also not true that excusively breastfed infants do not get type 1; my son did at 23 months of age, and he never had any formula.
S Howardof NY8:04PM May 18, 2010
My son was diagnosed at 2. We live in a sunny climate and get plenty of sun exposure. My son was vegan until he had cottage cheese in the hospital because it was a "free food". He has been a slow grower and rather small all his life. I don't believe we have been too clean as we live in a mountain community and dirt is part of our lifestyle and I have not been a mom that shelters her kids from germs. And the pollution... not likely either, again beautiful mountain community.
Keep working. I love that there are people doing the research and seeking answers. I doubt I will ever know, but I do believe a cure will be found in my son's lifetime. He already enjoys the benefits of the pump and constant glucose monitor combo and at 10 years old, lives a very active and fulfilling life.
Brittaof CA3:12PM May 13, 2010
Well my daughter has been taking LDN for six months and her insulin requirements have been halved. Her endo is saying well she has definitely now got residual islet function as her overnight blood levels remain at normal levels even though we are often turning her pump basal rate down to 20% of what it was before LDN.
The endo has never before seen anything that has had this effect on someone with Type 1.
J Crocker isn't selling anything apart from providing info. I couldn't careless about what you think as I have got something that is reversing my daughter's Type 1. If we can even just preserve some islet function then it improves her chances for a longer, healthier life.
PYof CA7:48AM May 11, 2010
My sister got type one at age one and hates diabetes soo much..Im sure everyone with it hates it too..but the one thing that annoys her the most about diabetes is when theres a tv show on (ex: Hannah Montana) and one of the actors for the show has diabetes but not in real life and at the end when the actors talk about it like saying visit this websit eto learn more...It just makes my sister soo mad and wants it to stop..so now she hates the show Hannah Montana because of that....
Dashaof GA5:15PM May 05, 2010
Our daughter has been a Type I since age 9. Thankfully she is responding well to an insulin pump. None of the factors listed apply to her. We can debate all we want, we NEED a cure!!!
Pam Hallof OH4:32PM May 05, 2010
J Crocker is obviously trying to sell something. He/she says nothing about being a doctor. Why on earth would I take a supplement recommendation from some random anonymous person on the internet?
janeof MA9:24PM April 29, 2010
My type 1 son was nursed and not exposed to cow's milk until 18 months. Even then it was sparse. I did gain a great deal of weight and ate more carbs than ever before the pregnancy.
rnof TX9:41AM April 29, 2010
I totally agree with acidophilus - I take it myself as a sufferer from ulcerative colitis. I would strongly encourage anyone with an autoimmune condition consider taking this supplement. One drug which people are finding helpful with Type 1 Diabetes is Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN). LDN modulates the immune system and balances out the TH1 and TH2 cells. Once diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, you need a healthy immune system to keep these diseases at bay and stop further progression of the disease or it escalating into something else. LDN has been in use for over 25 years and is available now in tablet, liquid or transdermal cream and costs $1/day. Please google Low Dose Naltrexone as this is also used very successfully on children too.
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Doctor of IN 3:03AM June 04, 2010
Enrique of FL 10:44AM May 25, 2010
S Howard of NY 8:04PM May 18, 2010
Britta of CA 3:12PM May 13, 2010
PY of CA 7:48AM May 11, 2010
Dasha of GA 5:15PM May 05, 2010
Pam Hall of OH 4:32PM May 05, 2010
jane of MA 9:24PM April 29, 2010
rn of TX 9:41AM April 29, 2010
J Crocker, LDNNow of AL 8:27AM April 28, 2010