Scientists predict type 1 diabetes Children with type 1 diabetes show epigenetic changes in immune system cells before disease antibodies appear in the blood. Findings from two studies open up new possibilities for early identification of children at genetic risk for diabetes.

Epigenetic changes can affect how genes work. Environmental factors such as viral infections can cause epigenetic changes. Conclusions on the epigenetic composition associated with diabetes are presented in two new studies by scientists from the Center for Biological Sciences at the University of Turku, Finland.

“We have found early epigenetic changes that will help identify children at risk of developing type 1 diabetes before they get sick,” says Professor Riitta Lahesmaa, Director of the Center and leader of the InFLAMES research team..

Previous work has shown that certain antibodies found in blood samples from children indicate an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes in the near future.. In order for health professionals to intervene at the earliest stage, earlier indicators of the disease than antibodies are needed to detect risk. This includes looking for biomarkers indicative of type 1 diabetes, and epigenetic changes may be such biomarkers..

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