Book · 2016
History, epidemiology, and aetiology
David Levy
Oxford Medicine Online
Abstract
Outline of the key landmarks in the history of Type 1 diabetes. Epidemiology, focusing on its rising incidence and the increasing prevalence of later-onset autoimmune diabetes. Genetics are briefly covered; the evidence for and against the impact of a variety of environmental factors thought to be important in aetiology are emphasized, especially in relation to prospective randomized clinical trials (RCT) in early Type 1 diabetes, aiming to delay the onset of autoimmunity in high-risk individuals or slow the decline in C-peptide levels shortly after clinical diagnosis. The balance-risk hypothesis, which allows for inclusion of protective and promoting factors, is introduced.