Researchers link virus, diabetes

LONDON, March 8 (UPI) -- Type 1 diabetes appears to be triggered by an infection with a common virus that can attack insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, British researchers say.

The theory is that the enterovirus, in some cases, attacks the pancreatic beta cells, setting off a reaction from the body's immune system that destroys the cells, leaving the body unable to produce insulin, The Independent reports.

One team studied pancreases in a Scottish collection, examining those of young people who died a year or less after diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes. They found that 60 percent of the pancreases showed signs that the beta cells had been infected by enteroviruses, while no pancreases of those without diabetes showed those signs.

The viruses can cause the symptoms of upset stomach but can also infect without symptoms.

The study was published this week in the journal Diabetologia.

Type 1 diabetes often shows up in childhood and can only be contained with insulin injections. Type 2, or adult-onset, diabetes is usually linked to lifestyle, although the researchers say viruses may play a role.