Epigenetic epidemiology of type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results from the immune-mediated destruction of insulin-secreting β-cells that reside in the pancreatic Islets of Langerhans. Genetic susceptibility is necessary but not sufficient for the development of autoimmune diabetes, indicating a key role for risk modification by environmental factors. Epigenetic mechanisms could mediate the effect of specific environmental factors and could therefore explain, at least in part, non-genetic susceptibility to Type 1 diabetes. Exposure to variable nutrition or infection in early life, including in utero experiences can modi