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The Root of the Problem?


Jan 1, 2002

Researchers Say a Chemical Found in Some Vegetables May Cause Type 1 Diabetes

Of the many theories about the cause of type 1 diabetes, this one may prompt you to think twice before preparing your dinner: a chemical found in common garden vegetables could cause damage to the pancreas, according to researchers in Australia. They point out, however, that the chemical could cause type 1 diabetes only in those with a genetic disposition to develop the disease.

Researchers at Monash University and the International Diabetes Institute in Melbourne reported their findings in the October 4, 2001, issue of Diabetologia. The team explained that a bacteria that exists in soil and can infect root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, beets and turnips produces a chemical called bafilomycin. If consumed by humans, the small quantities of bafilomycin in the infected vegetables could cause type 1 diabetes in people who are already at risk of developing the disease.

This discovery could lead to the development of an anti-toxin for people who are genetically susceptible to type 1 diabetes, according to Paul Zimmet, MD, PhD. He also states that this is possibly the first study in the world to link type 1 diabetes with a common food source, according to the Monash Newsline.

In the report, Mark Myers, MD, draws the connection between the high incidence of type 1 diabetes in Western countries such as the United States and Finland and the large amount of tuberous vegetables consumed in those countries.

The researchers expressed concern over lack of funding to continue their research.


Categories: Diabetes, Type 1 Issues



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