The following is a comprehensive list of other causes of diabetes:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabetes_mellitus

Diabetes Types

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes_lada.html

MODY (I have had a private request for information regarding MODY, a rare form of diabetes.) I thought I would share the information here.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maturity_onset_diabetes_of_the_young

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/What-is-diabetes/Other-types-of-diabetes/MODY/

http://www.prevention.com/health/antibiotics-linked-diabetes?cid=soc_Prevention%20Magazine%20-%20preventionmagazine_FBPAGE_Prevention__

http://www.findtex.com.au/medical-and-science/causes-of-diabetes-high-iron/

http://www.battlediabetes.com/news/science-and-research/vitamin-a-deficiency-may-play-a-role-in-type-2-diabetes

http://www.battlediabetes.com/news/science-and-research/vitamin-a-deficiency-may-play-a-role-in-type-2-diabetes

Jackson- Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis & Diabetes Insipidus

Jackson was re-diagnosed with LCH in January 2013. This time it had damaged his pituitary stalk so he was also  diagnosed with another rare condition called Diabetes Insipidus which means his body cannot produce the hormone vasopressin. This hormone controls the regulation of body fluids and urination so Jackson has a synthetic hormone twice a day to be able to stabilise his hydration. He will need this for the rest of his life.

There are many types of diabetes, type 1, type 2, gestational and rarer types that are not well known. Today is Rare Disease Day, read Jackson’s story on Diabetes Insipidus, a rare form of diabetes caused by a deficiency of the pituitary hormone vasopressin, which regulates kidney function: http://bit.ly/1pjgQL8

Double Diabetes

Double diabetes is when someone with type 1 diabetes develops insulin resistance, the key feature of type 2 diabetes.

Someone with double diabetes will always have type 1 diabetes present but the effects of insulin resistancecan be reduced somewhat.

The most common reason for developing insulin resistance is obesity and whilst type 1 diabetes is not itself brought on by obesity.

People with type 1 diabetes are able to become obese and suffer from insulin resistance as much as anyone else.

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/double-diabetes.html

How many people live with a type of diabetes in your postcode? Check out the latest population data on diabetes in Australia with the Australian Diabetes Map.

http://www.diabetesmap.com.au/#/

Germs could cause type 1 diabetes, study suggests

Germs could play a role in the development of type 1 diabetes, according to researchers at Cardiff University.

There is little understanding regarding what causes type 1 diabetes, but scientists have previously shown that a type of white blood cell, known as killer T-cells, plays a key role. Killer T-cells normally protect us from bacteria, but in type 1 diabetesthey mistakenly attack the insulin-producing beta cells in thepancreas.

This new research found that the same killer T-cells that cause type 1 diabetes are strongly activated by some bacteria. They believe this bacteria could then trigger the body’s immune system to destroy its insulin-producing cells.

A study team from Cardiff’s Systems Immunity Research Institute previously found that an isolated killer T-cell from a patient with type 1 diabetes was highly ‘cross-reactive’. This means it can respond to a variety of triggers, and researchers hypothesised that a pathogen could stimulate T-cells to initiate type 1 diabetes.

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/News/2016/May/germs-could-cause-type-1-diabetes,-study-suggests-98945095.html

New hormone could help treat diabetes

A new hormone made by fat cells could help fight type 2 diabetes and obesity, it has been announced.

Researchers have discovered that asprosin plays an important role in determining blood sugar levels in mice, which could help treat type 2 diabetes in the future.

The hormone was discovered while researchers looked at a rare g enetic condition called neonatal progeroid syndrome (NPS) which leaves the person with unhealthily low levels of fat.

Atul Chopra at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, said: “We looked into this super-rare condition, and the result was a discovery that could benefit millions with a much more common disorder – diabetes.”

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2016/apr/new-hormone-could-help-treat-diabetes-96181757.html

It’s missing another form where the body has no pancreas at all. There is apparently less than 10 known cases of people living with this condition in the world, including a seven yr old girl in Albury, NSW, Australia.

It’s proper name is Pancreatic Agenesis, but results in another form of diabetes amongst other things. Mody doesnt cover it since it is a gene missing rather than a mutation/change

A quick Google came up with this, if you can provide a better site I will include it on my page and web site.

http://www.nature.com/ng/journal/v44/n1/abs/ng.1035.html

Rare Form Of Diabetes Might Call For Alternative Treatment

People with the uncommon, genetic form of diabetes called MODY1 are being miscategorized as having type 2 diabetes – often because the two have so much in common. A new study claims that giving MODY1 patients the treatments intended for type 2 diabetics could be harmful.

According to findings published inThe Journal of Biological Chemistry, researchers are concerned that patients with MODY1 – a form of maturity onset diabetes of the young – who receive treatments intended for type 2 patients may endure elimination of the insulin-secreting beta cells that help regulate blood sugar levels.

http://www.battlediabetes.com/news/science-and-research/rare-form-of-diabetes-might-call-for-alternative-treatment

Jackson- Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis & Diabetes Insipidus

Jackson was re-diagnosed with LCH in January 2013. This time it had damaged his pituitary stalk so he was also  diagnosed with another rare condition called Diabetes Insipidus which means his body cannot produce the hormone vasopressin. This hormone controls the regulation of body fluids and urination so Jackson has a synthetic hormone twice a day to be able to stabilise his hydration. He will need this for the rest of his life.

There are many types of diabetes, type 1, type 2, gestational and rarer types that are not well known. Today is Rare Disease Day, read Jackson’s story on Diabetes Insipidus, a rare form of diabetes caused by a deficiency of the pituitary hormone vasopressin, which regulates kidney function: http://bit.ly/1pjgQL8

Diabetes insipidus

Diabetes insipidus is characterised by extreme thirst and the passing of vast amounts of urine. It is caused by insufficient vasopressin, a hormone produced by the brain that instructs the kidneys to retain water. Without enough vasopressin, too much water is lost from the body in urine, which prompts the affected person to drink large amounts of fluids in an attempt to maintain their fluid levels. In severe cases, a person may pass up to 30 litres of urine per day. Without treatment, diabetes insipidus can cause dehydration and, eventually, coma due to concentration of salts in the blood, particularly sodium.

The name of this condition is a little misleading, since diabetes insipidus has nothing to do with diabetes mellitus (a condition characterised by high blood sugar levels), apart from the symptoms of thirst and passing large volumes of urine. The word diabetes means ‘to go through’ – describing the excessive urination. Insipidus means the urine is tasteless, whereas mellitus suggests it is sweet from its sugar content. This terminology dates back to a time when physicians literally dipped a finger in the patient’s urine and tested its taste. Not a diagnostic method much in use today!

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/diabetes-insipidus

Wolfram syndrome

Wolfram syndrome is a condition that affects many of the body’s systems. The hallmark features of Wolfram syndrome are high blood sugar levels resulting from a shortage of the hormone insulin (diabetes mellitus)

People with Wolfram syndrome often also have pituitary gland dysfunction that results in the excretion of excessive amounts of urine (diabetes insipidus)

https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/wolfram-syndrome

Neonatal Diabetes

Neonatal diabetes is a rare form of diabetes that is usually diagnosed in children under 6 months of age.

This early occurring type of diabetes is caused by one of a number of genetic mutations and is therefore described as a monogenic form of diabetes.

Neonatal diabetes is treatable and may or may not require insulin so a diagnosis by genetic testing is recommended.

Types of neonatal diabetes

There are two main types of neonatal diabetes:

  • Transient Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus
  • Permanent Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus

Transient neonatal diabetes is so called because it usually disappears within a year of birth but can come back again typically during adolescence.

Permanent neonatal diabetes, once diagnosed, stays for the rest of life.

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/neonatal-diabetes.html?fbclid=IwAR3saD36R3L8uB7cnXwfpemTj3fhBmjG_7K1YQDSIeEiiE_FNyKGSDxRarI

Risk Factors

Risk factors for diabetes depends on the type of disease.

Risk Factors For Type 1 Diabetes

  • Taking antibodies
  • Exposure to certain viral diseases
  • Increased intake of vitamin E
  • Giving cow’s milk at an early age
  • Obesity
  • Decreased physical activity
  • Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in a family member – parent, brother or sister
  • Gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • High levels of triglycerides
  • Women older than 25 years
  • Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in a family member – parent, brother or sister
  • Gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
  • The birth of a baby overweight (more than 4kg)
  • Dead born for unknown reasons
  • Obesity
  • Large weight gain during pregnancy

Risk Factors For Type 2 Diabetes

Risk Factors For Gestational Diabetes

Complications

Complications of diabetes develop gradually. The longer you have diabetes and the less control blood sugar, the greater is the risk of complications. Over time, complications of diabetes can lead to the loss of a particular capability or be fatal.
Possible complications include:

  • Visual impairment
  • Common skin infections
  • Heart attack, stroke, abnormal movement of blood in the legs
  • Nerve damage that occurs because of tingling, loss of feeling sensation, pain
  • Kidney damage
  • Increased risk of certain cancers
  • Fortunately, diabetes is easily diagnosed, and with proper education it can be prevented and controlled.

Ref  http://hooppler.com/health/diabetes-types-symptoms-risk-factors-and-complications.html

Diabetes mellitus

http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Diabetes+Mellitus

Different types of diabetes

Many people are familiar with type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes, but did you know there are a range of other types of diabetes that are just as important? Unfortunately, these rarer types of diabetes are often more difficult to diagnose, leading to misdiagnosis and delays in receiving the best possible care.

Let’s have a closer look at these rarer types of diabetes and their differing characteristics.

http://www.diabetessa.com.au/latest-news/different-types-of-diabetes.html

Sex Hormone–Binding Globulin and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Women and Men

Background

Circulating sex hormone–binding globulin levels are inversely associated with insulin resistance, but whether these levels can predict the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is uncertain.

Conclusions

Low circulating levels of sex hormone–binding globulin are a strong predictor of the risk of type 2 diabetes in women and men. The clinical usefulness of both SHBG genotypes and plasma levels in stratification and intervention for the risk of type 2 diabetes warrants further examination.

http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa0804381

Novel subgroups of adult-onset diabetes and their association with outcomes: a data-driven cluster analysis of six variables

Background

Diabetes is presently classified into two main forms, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but type 2 diabetes in particular is highly heterogeneous. A refined classification could provide a powerful tool to individualise treatment regimens and identify individuals with increased risk of complications at diagnosis.

Findings

We identified five replicable clusters of patients with diabetes, which had significantly different patient characteristics and risk of diabetic complications. In particular, individuals in cluster 3 (most resistant to insulin) had significantly higher risk of diabetic kidney disease than individuals in clusters 4 and 5, but had been prescribed similar diabetes treatment. Cluster 2 (insulin deficient) had the highest risk of retinopathy. In support of the clustering, genetic associations in the clusters differed from those seen in traditional type 2 diabetes.

www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587%2818%2930051-2/fulltext?elsca1=tlpr#.WpnsQDd5DbY.facebook

Five subtypes of type 1 and 2 diabetes, study finds

What did they find?

The team identified five distinct groups of people living with diabetes with shared characteristics. These groups were:

  • SAID – Severe Autoimmune Diabetes, where people were unable to produce insulin due to an autoimmune condition
  • SIDD – Severe Insulin-Deficient Diabetes, where people made little insulin but there was no sign of an autoimmune condition
  • SIRD – Severe Insulin-Resistant Diabetes, where people were overweight and making insulin, but their body had developed resistance to it
  • MOD – Mild Obesity-related Diabetes, where people were obese but their body had not developed insulin resistance like the SIRD group
  • MARD – Mild Age-Related Diabetes, where people developed a less aggressive form of diabetes at an older age

https://jdrf.org.uk/news/five-subtypes-type-1-2-diabetes-study-finds/

Providing evidence of the two types of diabetes — a step that changed the concepts, research and treatment of diabetes.

In the late 1940s, Baker scientists noted that the severity of diabetes was unrelated to the insulin dose which suggested to them that some people with diabetes secreted insulin and others did not. Their studies measuring insulin in the plasma of their subjects was the first confirmation of the proposed two forms of diabetes. The original observations were not published because the concept was contrary to prevailing views and would not have been accepted.

One of the researchers went on to confirm the initial results with colleagues at Kings College Hospital, London. They showed that there were two types of diabetes — one with (non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus [type 2]) and the other without available plasma insulin (insulin dependent diabetes mellitus [type 1]). This work was published in the British Medical Journal in 1951, including reference to the earlier studies at the Baker Institute (Bornstein, J and Lawrence, R BMJ 1951).

The concept of two types of diabetes is now universally accepted and this pioneering work has changed the concepts, research and treatment of diabetes.

https://www.baker.edu.au/impact/pioneering-advances/history-types-of-diabetes

Trying to understand Insulin-clamp testing and the phenomenon of ‘Surgical Insulin Resistance’.

It is common to observe intra- and postoperative hyperglycaemia in non-diabetic surgical patients, but I’m not certain of causality, besides stress, pain.

Most particularly, I am concerned by the notion that carbohydrate pre-loading ameliorates this IR – it is common practice to provide maltodextrin drinks prior to surgery, to selected patients (major procedure; non-diabetic); partly this is ‘symptomatic relief’ for hunger and thirst, but the major justification is this purported metabolic benefit, with claims of reduced hospital stay.

There is a 20yr mass of self-referencing supportive evidence, and little that is critical. This is the linchpin article from 1998, where the claims for benefit of oral sugar drinks pre-surgery were substantiated by 2step insulin-clamp tests. Its a very convoluted argument, that I don’t understand, hence asking this group for help to process it.

 

Preoperative oral carbohydrate administration reduces postoperative insulin resistance

Abstract

Infusions of carbohydrates before surgery reduce postoperative insulin resistance. We in-vestigated the effects of a carbohydrate drink, given shortly before surgery, on postoperative metabolism.

METHOD:

Insulin sensitivity, glucose turnover ([6,6, 2H2]-D-glucose) and substrate utilization were measured using hyperinsulinemic normoglycemic clamps and indirect calorimetry in two matched groups of patients before and after elective colorectal surgery. The drink group (n = 7) received 800 ml of an isoosmolar carbohydrate rich beverage the evening before the operation (100 g carbohydrates), as well as another 400 ml (50 g carbohydrates) 2 h before the initiation of anesthesia. The fasted group (n = 7) was operated after an overnight fast.

RESULTS:

After surgery, energy expenditure increased in both groups. Endogenous glucose production was higher after surgery and the difference was significant during low insulin infusion rates in both groups (P < 0.05). The supressibility of endogenous glucose production by the two step insulin infusion was similar pre-and postoperatively in both groups. At the high insulin infusion rate postoperatively, whole body glucose disposal was more reduced in the fasted group (-49 +/- 6% vs -26 +/- 8%, P < 0.05 vs drink). Furthermore, during high insulin infusion rates, glucose oxidation decreased postoperatively only in the fasted group (P < 0. 05) and postoperative levels of fat oxidation were greater in the fasted group (P < 0.05 vs drink). Only minor postoperative changes in cortisol and glucagon were found and no differences were found between the treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients given a carbohydrate drink shortly before elective colorectal surgery displayed less reduced insulin sensitivity after surgery as compared to patients who were operated after an overnight fast.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10205319/?fbclid=IwAR0ZHrLzFjBXaWk9OKjc4UkOqa3SEI_pfnzZd3JWwKnRuxETvQcuRS8QYfE

Pancreatogenic (Type 3c) Diabetes

1. Definition

Pancreatogenic diabetes is a form of secondary diabetes, specifically that associated with disease of the exocrine pancreas. The most common disease of the exocrine pancreas associated with the development of diabetes is chronic pancreatitis. Analogous to chronic pancreatitis-associated diabetes is cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD), in which pancreatic exocrine insufficiency pre-dates the pancreatic endocrine insufficiency responsible for the development of diabetes. Because diabetes in cystic fibrosis is associated with worse nutritional status, more severe inflammatory lung disease, and greater mortality from respiratory failure, CFRD has long been recognized as a distinct form of diabetes requiring a specified approach to evaluation and treatment (30) now recognized by the American Diabetes Association (28). While the distinct pathogenesis of diabetes in chronic pancreatitis has also long been appreciated, only recently have guidelines been developed supporting a specified diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm (37). Finally, other less common forms of pancreatogenic diabetes exist, such as that due to pancreatic cancer (18), as well as post-pancreatectomy diabetes, with each requiring individualized approaches to care.  

https://www.pancreapedia.org/reviews/pancreatogenic-type-3c-diabetes

PANCREATITIS – DIABETES – PANCREATIC CANCER: Summary of an NIDDK-NCI Workshop

Abstract

A workshop sponsored by the NIDDK and the NCI on “Pancreatitis-Diabetes-Pancreatic Cancer” focused on the risk factors of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and diabetes mellitus (DM) on the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Sessions were held on a) an overview of the problem of PDAC, b) CP as a risk factor for PDAC, c) DM as a risk factor for PDAC, d) pancreatogenic, or type 3c DM (T3cDM), e) genomic associations of CP, DM, and PDAC, f) surveillance of high-risk populations and early detection of PDAC, and g) effects of DM treatment on PDAC. Recent data and current understandings of the mechanisms of CP- and DM-associated factors on PDAC development were discussed, and a detailed review of the possible risks of DM treatment on the development of PDAC was provided by representatives from academia, industry, and the Food and Drug Administration. The current status of possible biomarkers of PDAC and surveillance strategies for high-risk populations were discussed, and the gaps in knowledge and opportunities for further research were elucidated. A broad spectrum of expertise of the speakers and discussants provided an unusually productive workshop, the highlights of which are summarized in the accompanying article.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3878448/

Type-3c Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetes of Exocrine Pancreas – An Update

Abstract:

Background: The incidence of diabetes is increasing steeply; the number of diabetics has doubled over the past three decades. Surprisingly, the knowledge of type 3c diabetes mellitus (T3cDM) is still unclear to the researchers, scientist and medical practitioners, leading towards erroneous diagnosis, which is sometimes misdiagnosed as type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), or more frequently type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This review is aimed to outline recent information on the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic procedures, and therapeutic management of T3cDM patients.

Methods: The literature related to T3cDM was thoroughly searched from the public domains and reviewed extensively to construct this article. Further, existing literature related to the other forms of diabetes is reviewed for projecting the differences among the different forms of diabetes. Detailed and updated information related to epidemiological evidence, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, pathogenesis and management is structured in this review.

Results: T3cDM is often misdiagnosed as T2DM due to the insufficient knowledge differentiating between T2DM and T3cDM. The pathogenesis of T3cDM is explained which is often linked to the history of chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer. Inflammation, and fibrosis in pancreatic tissue lead to damage both endocrine and exocrine functions, thus leading to insulin/glucagon insufficiency and pancreatic enzyme deficiency.

Conclusion: Future advancements should be accompanied by the establishment of a quick diagnostic tool through the understanding of potential biomarkers of the disease and newer treatments for better control of the diseased condition.

http://www.eurekaselect.com/169010/article?fbclid=IwAR1PGjSJXobbbcm3VLfXg7K1QuayzuguFj7TgalNlhQzEf7zteNvjag3ld8

Estrogen implant could be used to reduce insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes

18 Feb 2019

The female reproductive hormone estrogen could be used to help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, US research suggests.

When estrogen interacted with a protein called Foxo1, insulin resistance and the production of glucose was decreased.

Previous studies have shown lower type 2 diabetes rates in premenopausal women, while research has also identified a significant link between estrogen deficiency and metabolic dysfunction, a risk factor for the condition.

Until this study, the mechanism between estrogen and accelerated insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes has not been fully understood.

After menopause, women lose the enhanced insulin sensitivity due to a reduction in estrogen, but estrogen therapy results in potential breast cancer or stroke risks.

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2019/feb/estrogen-implant-could-be-used-to-reduce-insulin-resistance-in-type-2-diabetes-95945865.html?fbclid=IwAR17d5VYb6wpeSj4J8fZhZrZlnrCQAJhA4MJbnN6-LgR-Ci4N3ipGPb5dOs

Early trauma ‘triples’ risk of Type 1 diabetes

A traumatic event during childhood can triple the risk of subsequently developing Type 1 diabetes, researchers have concluded.

A new study from Sweden published in Diabetologia (the journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes) showed ‘serious life events’ in childhood, such as death or illness in the family, divorce or separation, a new child or adult in the family or conflicts in the family increase the chances of getting the condition.

The causes of Type 1 diabetes are unknown but it is usually preceded by the body’s own immune system attacking and killing the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. As well as genetic predisposition, several environmental factors such as viral infection, dietary habits in infancy, birthweight and early weight gain, as well as chronic stress, have been proposed as risk factors.

https://diabetestimes.co.uk/early-trauma-triples-risk-for-type-1-diabetes/?fbclid=IwAR1xyBQLi0Uj7OU-9HvAxFohefhBrCPM4H7CO0Y4yjzz9j8sTjRKU1_eRdM

Rotavirus plays role in development of type 1 diabetes

A new article published in the journal PLOS Pathogens on October 10, 2019, claims that the common rotavirus may be responsible for some occurrences of type 1 diabetes, a form of diabetes which occurs in children and is due to destruction of the pancreatic islet cells that produce the hormone insulin to normalize blood glucose levels.

Rotavirus – what is it?

Rotavirus is the biggest cause of gastroenteritis in infants all over the world. However, rotavirus vaccination has now brought down the rate of infant deaths due to this condition significantly. Another striking finding is the 15% reduction in type 1 diabetes in children below 4 years of age, in Australia, after rotavirus vaccination was introduced there. This suggests a link between these entities, which is also in agreement with human and animal studies that show rotavirus may be the missing piece in the puzzle as to what triggers type 1 diabetes in children with the wrong type of genes.

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20191013/Rotavirus-plays-role-in-development-of-type-1-diabetes.aspx?fbclid=IwAR3WkwloxfvYUJRLZQehM_F3mAs5mxQoFY_tVnVFcFKg-7AiKokd2tucTKE

Another environmental cause of Insulin resistance.

Thiamine to the rescue for male mice metabolically damaged in the womb by di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP)!

DEHP is a common environmental toxin which is reported in below as so toxic to males that even low level exposure in the womb promotes obesity, insulin resistance, and high insulin later in life. The mechanism as attempted to be shown by the attached image is to lower thiamine transport into the liver. This increases liver production and export of glucose and much more. Read the SciHub full report for details. Females are not affected.

Interesting enough this applies to males not females “Low level DEHP exposure per the report doesn’t metabolically damage females.”

(2019). Prenatal low-dose DEHP exposure induces metabolic adaptation and obesity: Role of hepatic thiamine metabolism. Journal of Hazardous Materials,

https://sci-hub.se/10.1016%2Fj.jhazmat.2019.121534?fbclid=IwAR3QAiLAP2yAYVrrl3fTSxGgcDwZS2XXYgZflwEr2ijL7Dk-T1F9M1Y_wGU

25/6/20.

Coronavirus: COVID-19 could cause diabetes – scientists

It’s been clear for a while now people with diabetes are at increased risk of complications from COVID-19, but there’s growing evidence the viral disease could be causing it too.

In type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks the cells that make insulin, which controls the body’s glucose levels.

Scientists in the US have shown the virus behind the pandemic, SARS-CoV-2, is capable of destroying cells which produce insulin, and also attack the liver, which plays a big part in regulating blood sugar levels.

The virus can also trigger the body to create proteins which cause the immune system to attack the cells, according to the research.