Researchers Identify Why Type 1 Diabetes Hits Young Children Harder

Researchers at the University of Exeter have uncovered why type 1 diabetes often develops more quickly and severely in children under seven. The autoimmune disease attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, and in younger children, this process tends to be faster, increasing the risk of medical emergencies and the need for higher insulin doses.

The team, led by Professor Sarah Richardson, found that most insulin-producing beta cells in young children are destroyed before they fully mature. Tiny clusters of these cells, previously overlooked, appear critical to understanding the disease. Preserving them early may be key to preventing type 1 diabetes.

Examining pancreatic samples from over 250 people, researchers discovered that healthy young children have numerous small beta cell clusters, whereas children with type 1 diabetes largely lack these clusters due to immune system attacks. Published in Science Advances, the study suggests this new understanding could transform screening, treatment, and prevention strategies.