Beta‐cell activity and development of Type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease, resulting in diminished islet integrity and destruction of the insulin‐secreting beta cells. In this review, we investigate the intrinsic relationship between the development of T1D and the activity of the beta cells. The idea was initially hypothesized in 1982 that an increased beta‐cell activity would enhance the surface antigen expression and thereby attract the immune system. Later, other findings support this idea, including increased risk of T1D development during third trimester of pregnancy, and the difference in T1D incidence in Russian and Finnish Karelia due to different lifestyles. Other implications of high beta‐cell activity, such as reduced sulfatide levels, formation of non‐correct insulin molecules and an increase in IFN‐alpha upon virus attack, can contribute to the development of T1D. A possible way to prevent the development of T1D is to diminish beta‐cell activity, which has shown promising results in animal models.