Child stress risks Type 1 diabetes: Young who experience divorce or family bereavement are three times more likely to develop condition

Children who experience stressful events such as a death or illness in the family, divorce or separation, could be three times more likely to develop type 1 diabetes.

Swedish scientists analysed more than 10,000 families with children aged two to 14 who did not have the condition, looking at whether there was any family conflict, a change of family structure, interventions from social services or unemployment.

Subsequently, 58 children were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The researchers found many were among those badly affected by events in their formative years.



Children who experience stressful events such as a death or illness in the family, divorce or separation, could be three times more likely to develop type 1 diabetes (stock image above)

The team at Linkoping University said that while the causes of type 1 diabetes are unknown, it is usually preceded by the body’s immune system killing so-called beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. 

They suggested damaging events in childhood could affect beta cells and raise insulin demands to cope with elevated levels of stress hormones. 

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