Type 1 diabetes is worse in the young - here's why

Scientists have discovered why type 1 diabetes is more severe in young children. The immune system attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, but in children, especially under seven, these cells are still developing and are more vulnerable to damage. Previous research showed that beta cells in younger individuals exist as small clusters or individual cells. When the immune system attacks, these small groups are easily destroyed, preventing them from maturing. In contrast, older individuals have larger clusters called Islets of Langerhans, which, while still attacked, are more resilient, allowing for some insulin production and reducing disease severity. This discovery offers hope for new treatments. Immunotherapy drugs like teplizumab, which can prevent the immune system from attacking beta cells, could buy time for these cells to mature, potentially delaying or preventing the onset of type 1 diabetes in young peop... download the app to read more