Why do Children Develop Type 1 Diabetes?

People are not born with type 1 diabetes, rather it develops at some point. Often it’s the body’s own immune system that begins attacking the insulin-secreting cells of the pancreas, killing them. Who develops type 1 diabetes is a complex interaction between genetics, the body’s immune system, and environmental influences, such as viruses.

Type 1 diabetes is NOT related to what a child eats. Similarly, it is not caused by a lack of physical activity or lifestyle. There is nothing a parent or child can do to prevent the development of type 1 diabetes. Those families in which a parent or sibling has type 1 diabetes should discuss with their doctor the risk of another family member becoming affected.

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