The researchers tested a new hypothesis that explains the autoimmunity of people with type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas secretes little or no insulin
.

"Previous studies have focused on triggers, genes, and proteins in T1D patients versus non-diabetic patients, with a focus on b-cells (b-cells producing antibodies) as targets for immune disruption, and blood sugar as a major abnormality
.

According to Corkey, her research led her to propose a verifiable hypothesis that autoimmune induction is the result of one or more major inflammatory events in individuals with phenotypes of susceptible human leukocyte antigens (molecules found on the surface of most cells in the human body that play an important role in the body's immune response to foreign substances), plus a high sensitivity to cytokines (substances secreted by certain cells of the immune system) and free fatty acids
(FFA).

"Disease or environmental factors significantly increase the production of cytokines and/or raise FFA, initiating autoimmune disruption in individuals with specific genetic profiles
.

Corkey believes that the traits that make individuals vulnerable to autoimmune disruption may also apply to other autoimmune diseases, such as toxic shock syndrome and possibly prolonged COVID
.

The findings were published in the journal Diabetes
.

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Hypothesis: Induction of Autoimmunity in Type 1 Diabetes—A Lipid Focus