Can a virus cause diabetes?

Insulin is the hormone responsible for cells to capture blood glucose to produce energy;And consequently, and in case of deficit or absence of this hormone, the bloodstream ends up carrying an excess of glucose, or what is the same, the diabetes appears, either because the body is not able to produce insulin or because it does notYou can use it properly.

However, it is possible that this absence or insulin deficit has its origin in an infectious agent, and more specifically, in a virus, according to a study carried out by researchers from the José Diabetes de Boston Center (USA), which concludes that there are viruses that are able to produce some molecules similar to insulin and other hormones that could be behind the appearance of diabetes and many other diseases.

According to Emrah Altndis, director of this research published in the Journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, "our work could open a new field that we could call 'microbial endocrinology'. We have seen that peptides similar to insulin manufactured by viruses by virusesThey can act both in rodent and human cells.It helps us to better understand the role of microbes in human diseases. "

According to Ronald Kahn, co-author of the investigation, "the finding of hormones similar to viral insulin makes us ask ourselves what role they can play in diabetes, autoimmune diseases, cancer and other metabolic diseases."

The authors of this new study have been analyzing the genomic sequences of viruses and bacteria for years to see if these microbes have the ability to produce peptides similar to insulin that can trigger the development of diabetes.A work that, among other fruits, has allowed the identification of several viruses capable of manufacturing peptides very similar to 16 human hormones and regulatory proteins.

Among these, four viruses that produce proteins very similar to insulin and that, far from assuming a danger to human being, only infect fish are highlighted.

However, peptides similar to insulin produced by viruses can be the environmental trigger that initiates the autoimmune reaction in type 1 diabetes. The authors of the study synthesized in the laboratory peptides similar to insulin of viral origin and inoculated them in cellsof humans and an animal model;And what they saw is that, indeed, these Vilp were able to join the insulin receptors and a growth factor closely related to this hormone.

Virus records found in human intestines show that, which fish, we are also exposed to these viruses.According to Ronald Kahn, "these viruses are known for infecting fish and amphibians, not humans. However, we may be exposed to these viruses when eating fish. In addition, our finding can be just the tip of the iceberg.More viral hormones, including more viral insulins, in the future. "

The authors of the study have indicated, on the other hand, that "it should not be ruled out that these microbial molecules similar to insulin or other similar ones can be an environmental trigger that initiates the autoimmune reaction in type 1 diabetes. Or on the contrary, it isThey may be able to desensitize the immune response andhave a protective effect. "

Coxsackie triggers diabetes in many children. That is known a long time ago.And a vaccine has not just arrived.

This for me makes all my meaning.Before debuting, I remember that I spent a cold.After leaving him, I began to notice tired, like I had not finished "cleaning."

From there I began to notice the typical symptoms of type 1 diabetes, but I always stayed with that thorn / feeling that that cold / virus began everything.From there, it is as if that had caused some failure / disorder in my immune system and from there the diabetes was triggered ...

My daughter also had a viral rash one month before starting with symptoms and,
In the entrance analytics, he tested positive for Coxackie.I am convinced that it was that virus.
But it is known many years ago and there is still no vaccine that avoids it

To my parents when debuting being little they also told them that it could have been for a virus (I don't remember which one) so apparently it is something that is known

It depends on the case, not all are by virus although in some people if it seems to be the trigger.I did not have any viruses in the months prior to the diagnosis although a stage of much stress that seems to be another possible trigger.In the end the problem is an immune system with problems that in some cases ends in diabetes and in others not depending on viruses, stress, etc.
Also an altered microbiota makes certain particles that should not cross the intestinal barrier do so and that confuses the immune system because some of these particles are proteins very similar to those of the body itself and antibodies that attack the body cells are developed.That happens in celiac people when they consume gluten or people who have non -celiac gluten intolerance (which are many and not diagnosed).Also in those with some lactose intolerance, etc.
I do not think it is easy to determine the cause of an autoimmune disease, I think it is something complicated that depends on many genetic and environmental things.There is a lot to investigate yet.

Yesssica_a said:
I had no viruses in the months prior to the diagnosis although a stage of much stress that seems to be another possible trigger.

Just this was also my case !!!:(

In the analytics there was neither a trace of viruses, norYou have no idea how it has appeared.

Right now the cause is what matters least... I played for an infection and it seems since we are born the pancreas was being attacked by the immune system until it cannot more and with an infection, beta cells are destroyed.Great for me who debuts with 40 years... But children have less years of exposure and debut from an early age.???
The reality is that according to the endocrine, it tells you a possible origin or another.

Why is it so dangerous to contract Covid having diabetes?

I suffered from a lot

Covid I understand that it is for the same thing that when we catch the flu, or other viruses, and it can be complicated more than people without diabetes, for example, in my case, I know that I have a virus when glucose isShoot, and is very difficult to control throughout the flu process.

On your debut, in my case it also coincided with an era of great stress, I have always thought that the two things were related.

I am debuting and I have it recent.I have not suffered any viral process in the last year.It is also true that it is unknown what viruses it is, it may not have to give fevers and become strong to take us with the low defenses or some genetic predisposition.A whole enigma.The incredible is the little progress in a disease as old as this.After my analysis I still don't even know what kind of diabetes I have, the doctor speaks to me of type 2 but I think he is wrong.Lada is the most logical for the characteristics of the debut, my age) 45), the increases, the blurred vision, lack of relatives with the disease ... however with negative antibodies.Let's hope we can advance, we are millions of patients.By the way, I have even read that the Coronavirus can also induce diabetes .... I think Fer published it.Well encouragement, I hope it is well written because I still do not see much ... take care of you

Forgive, stress if I have had enough.I suffered a neovascularization (two stent) 9 months ago and I think it could be related.

Hello.I have also thought about this, but I can't relate my debut with any type of viral infection or stress.In fact, I was on vacation super happy and relaxed ...

@Ignasi_p, it is a very interesting study, it does not clarify whether the incidence decreases by 15% or 40%, but in any way it is very good news that vaccines can be used to prevent diabetes in children.

I do not understand that this is not a priority in world research, if not for pharmacists because they want to continue selling, at least for universities and public centers.

Well, I have read that with GAD antibodies it is more resistant to COVID.Hopefully because I debut with the complete pack!
Of Covid nothing;I became serology and said 0 in everything despite going through Croatia without a mask and without any care.

I debuted with 11 years after some mumps, the immune system tried to attack the virus and at the same time attacked the pancreas by an autoimmune reaction, that has been known for Tpo in the type 1 DM, the autoimmune reaction is usually triggered by an infection, stressOr something intense traumatic, with a previous predisposition, of course.

regina said:
Coxackie triggers diabetes in many children. That is known a lot.And a vaccine has not just arrived.