Type 1 diabetes is usually a progressive autoimmune disease, in which the beta cells that produce insulin are slowly destroyed by the body's own immune system. It is unknown what first starts this cascade of immune events, but evidence suggests that both a genetic predisposition and environmental factors, such as a viral infection, are involved.
Islets of Langerhans contain beta cells and are located within the pancreas. Beta cells produce insulin which is needed to metabolize glucose within the body.
Dengue is caused by any one of four related viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. More than one third of the world's population is living in areas at risk for transmission of this virus. Dengue infection is a leading cause of illness and death in the tropics and subtropics.
Can Dengue virus cause type 1 diabetes? No current research confirms this, but it is possible.
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Hello Anonymous,
That is a very good question.
Type 1 diabetes is usually a progressive autoimmune disease, in which the beta cells that produce insulin are slowly destroyed by the body's own immune system. It is unknown what first starts this cascade of immune events, but evidence suggests that both a genetic predisposition and environmental factors, such as a viral infection, are involved.
Islets of Langerhans contain beta cells and are located within the pancreas. Beta cells produce insulin which is needed to metabolize glucose within the body.
Dengue is caused by any one of four related viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. More than one third of the world's population is living in areas at risk for transmission of this virus. Dengue infection is a leading cause of illness and death in the tropics and subtropics.
Can Dengue virus cause type 1 diabetes? No current research confirms this, but it is possible.
Maryann
May 1, 2013 - 5:06pmThis Comment
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