Bacteria May Protect Against Type 1 Diabetes

Filed in archive Notable , Research on September 22, 2008

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There are microorganisms that are harmful to the body. There are also those that challenge our immune system in a way that strengthens one's immunity.

Speaking of microbes, researchers at Yale University and the University of Chicago found evidence in their mice study that exposure to a common stomach bacteria may protect against the development of type 1 diabetes.

The said findings support the "hygiene hypothesis" - the theory that lack of exposure to parasites, bacteria and viruses in the developed world may lead to increased risk of diseases like allergies, asthma, and other disorders of the immune system. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease.

Nature has the full report of the said study.