Diabetes Over View

Immunisation And Diabetes

The human body needs blood glucose (sugar) for energy. Blood glucose levels are regulated by insulin. Some researchers have speculated that insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) may be linked with certain vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and the pertussis component of diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP). However, further studies undertaken around the world have found no evidence that vaccinations can cause or influence the development of diabetes.

Researchers, such as Dr Classen, proposed that some childhood vaccinations might trigger an abnormal immune system response in vulnerable children, ultimately causing the body to attack and destroy the insulin-making cells of the pancreas. Trials showed that) certain vaccines could either increase or decrease their risk of developing diabetes, depending on the age of the animal (mice) when the vaccinations were given.

Researchers have found no evidence that supports the theory linking immunisation and diabetes. Graves (1999) and coworkers prospectively studied children from families with a member with type I diabetes. They looked for the development of autoimmunity to the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. No association was found between such autoimmunity and being vaccinated – this includes hepatitis B, Hib, polio, or diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis (whooping cough).

Later, a large population-based case-control study found no increased risk of type I diabetes associated with any of the routinely recommended childhood vaccines. However, there is concern that parents may choose not to have their children vaccinated. If vaccination levels fall too low, disease epidemics may flourish.

There have been suggestions that babies should receive their vaccinations later in life to reduce the ‘risk’ of adverse reactions such as diabetes. However, researchers worldwide have investigated the proposed link between diabetes and childhood immunization and refuted the same. Delaying vaccination is dangerous because it leaves young children vulnerable to catching serious diseases.

The exact cause of type I diabetes mellitus is unknown, but a range of genetic and environmental factors contributes to the cause. Current factors under investigation include:

Infection – the incidence of diabetes seems linked to the seasons, with increased rates in late autumn and early winter. This suggests to some researchers that the development of diabetes may include a viral component.

Milk – some studies have found that breastfed babies have a reduced risk of diabetes, while babies fed cows milk may have an increased risk.

Nitrates – some studies have shown that drinking water containing high amounts of nitrates is a risk factor.