• Significant increase in type 1 diabetes cases among infants and adolescents during Covid-19
• Researchers seek to understand the cause of the rise in diabetes diagnoses
• Lockdown measures and reduced pathogen exposure may play a role in the increased incidence

Researchers have observed an unusual increase in the number of infants and adolescents diagnosed with type 1 diabetes since Covid.

A new study published in the JAMA Network Open Journal has compiled data from various countries, including the United Kingdom, on more than 38,000 adolescents diagnosed during the pandemic.

The increase in diabetes cases is deemed “substantial” by the authors.

According to them, more research is required to comprehend why the increase is occurring.

A portion of the increase could be ascribed to catch-up – from backlogs and delays when health services were closed – but this does not account for all newly diagnosed cases, according to scientists.

Before the pandemic, the incidence rate of type 1 diabetes in children was increasing by approximately 3% per year.

What causes the increase?

The cause of the increase in cases is unknown, according to experts, but there are some hypotheses.

One of these hypotheses is that Covid can cause a reaction in some infants that increases their risk of developing diabetes. However, not all studies searching for this form of autoimmune reaction – in which the body begins to attack its healthy cells – have found evidence to support this theory.

Another hypothesis is that childhood exposure to certain pathogens can protect against a variety of diseases, including diabetes. Some scientists believe that lockdowns and physical separation during the Covid outbreak may have prevented many children from receiving adequate exposure to pathogens, thereby depriving them of this additional protection.

Hilary Nathan, Policy Director at the type 1 diabetes charity JDRFUK, remarked, “This research reflects a life-altering reality for so many British families.”

She exhorted people to be aware of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes. Fatigue, thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss or thinning. These symptoms are collectively known as the four Ts.

“Knowing these symptoms and receiving a prompt diagnosis and treatment can save lives,” she said.

A year ago, Theo, now 9 years old, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. It occurred a few months after he captured Covid. His mother, Jo, was caught off guard: “I knew nothing about diabetes.

“I believed it was a misdiagnosis because he wasn’t experiencing any symptoms. We are extremely fortunate to have detected it early.

“You are attempting to comprehend the fact that your child is experiencing this. To keep them alive, you are being taught all of these scientific facts about the condition. You are aware that there are severe consequences if you do not comply.”

Theo, who resides in Sheffield, has an insulin device and effectively controls his diabetes.

Diabetes UK’s Dr. Faye Riley stated, “Global research has identified a higher-than-anticipated number of diabetes diagnoses in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.” This investigation provides additional evidence.

Future studies examining longer-term trends will be crucial for distinguishing the impact of the pandemic from natural fluctuations in the incidence of type 1 diabetes over time, as well as identifying the range of factors that could be responsible for any apparent increase.