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Data continues to accumulate that abnormalities of the immune system may play a fundamental role in the development of the immune attack on beta cells and the subsequent development of type 1 diabetes. The gut-immune system serves a vital role in processing the many food and microbial antigens, particles that elicit the formation of antibodies by WBC’s to protect the body from infection or allergy. In some cases, the gut-immune system develops antibodies that ultimately attack the beta cells. Interestingly, one of the contributing factors to type 1 diabetes may be poor protein digestion.
In animals, diet can modify the development of autoimmune diabetes. Diets containing partially digested protein produce a lower rate of autoimmune diabetes than diets containing whole protein, because whole proteins are more likely to result in the formation of antibodies against them. In humans, 2 proteins with the higher degree of incrimination are found in milk (Bovine serum albumen as well as Bovine I) and wheat (gluten). Dietary born insulin differs from human I by only three amino acids– the building blocks of protein. If an individual develops antibodies to Bovine I, there is a good chance that these antibodies will also attack their own insulin. In addition to causing antibody mediated destruction of the beta cells, Bovine I can activate T-cells in those predisposed to diabetes in a manner that can lead to beta cell destruction by direct attack by specialized T-cells known as T-killer cells.
There is strong evidence implicating dietary factors such as cow’s milk and gluten as importatn triggers of the autoimmune process that leads to type 1 diabetes. In contrast, breast feeding has been identified as an important factor in establishing proper gut immune function and reducing type 1 risk. Breast feeding reduces the risk of food allergies and protein against bacterial and viral intestinal infections. Early exposure to cow’s milk may increase the risk by 15 times.
There is also considerable evidence that sensitivity to gluten- the major protein component of wheat, rye and barley- may also play a role. Gluten sensitivity produces Celiac Disease, associated with damaged small intestinal structure caused by the immune system’s abnormal response to gluten. Breast feeding appears to help prevent Celiac Disease while early introduction to cow’s milk is believed to be a major causative factor. The risk of developing type 1 diabetes is higher in children with Celiac Disease. Celiac Disease, like type 1 diabetes, is assoicated with gut-immune function abnormalities, omega-3 fatty acid deficiencies and nitrates. More information on the subject can be found in the following:
Vaarla,O. The GUT-IMMUNE SYSTEM and TYPE 1 DIABETES.N.Y
Academy of Science.2002;958: 39-46
Submitted by Annette Karnash