Coronavirus could potentially trigger type one diabetes in children, UK scientists suggest
Coronavirus could potentially trigger type one diabetes in children, UK scientists have warned following a jump in new cases at the height of the pandemic.
Researchers at Imperial College London found hospitals in north-west London recorded about twice the number of new-onset type one patients they would normally have expected during the period. The majority of those arrived in a serious state.
Although they cannot prove that COVID-19 causes type one diabetes, the study authors said this is the first time such a strong potential connection has been identified. Parents are being urged to look out for signs of diabetes such as tiredness, dehydration, frequent urination and weight loss in their children.
The UK study found hospitals in north west London recorded about twice the number of new-onset type one patients at the height of the pandemic. Getty
READ MORE: COVID-19 myths and misconceptions busted by WHO
In type one diabetes insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are decimated, harming the regulation of blood glucose levels. The condition can be life-threatening if not treated with insulin injections.
The study, published in Diabetes Care, reported 30 children arrived at National Health Service hospitals with new-onset type one diabetes between March 23, the start of the UK lockdown, and June 4. Two of the hospitals recording clusters of 10 cases each.
The regular average for the period was between two and four.
From the children admitted with type one diabetes, 72 per cent had Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious complication which shows that the body is running low on insulin.
Although only five children tested positive for COVID-19, the researchers said more could have had the virus undetected.
The study suggested that COVID-19 spike protein might be able to attack and destroy insulin-making cells in the pancreas. This could trigger the onset of type one diabetes in some children. AAP
TREAD MORE: Preschool will be free until the end of term four in NSW
The scientists suggested that the coronavirus spike protein might be able to attack and destroy insulin-making cells in the pancreas.
Dr Karen Logan, who led the research, said: "Our analysis shows that during the peak of the pandemic the number of new cases of type one diabetes in children was unusually high in two of the hospitals in north-west London compared to previous years and, when we investigated further, some of these children had active coronavirus or had previously been exposed to the virus.
"We believe this study is the first to show a potential link between COVID-19 and the development of type one diabetes in some children."
For breaking news alerts and livestreams straight to your smartphone sign up to the 9News app and set notifications to on at the App Store or Google Play.
You can also get up-to-date information from the Federal Government's Coronavirus Australia app, available on the App Store, Google Play and the Government's WhatsApp channel
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
