A very recent study suggests an unlikely link between winter season, type 1 diabetes and Rotavirus infection. For many individuals, winter may look like a perfect time to play with snow. No doubt winter is beautiful for many other reasons as well. Sipping down hot soup while watching your favorite serial adds smiles to your face.
But here is another side of the story. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s during the cold season that the diarrhea-causing Rotavirus infects many children in the US. Even at a greater risk are those who did not receive the vaccine for the condition. Now, to add more woes comes the risk of type 1 diabetes. Continue reading to explore more on the study findings and possible preventive measures
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What Is Rotavirus?
Rotavirus is a type of virus. Most commonly, it causes diarrhea in the children who are less than five years old. Fever, vomiting and watery diarrhea are its symptoms. No doubt, the symptoms are very unpleasant. Yet, they are rarely fatal and need no specific treatments except an increased fluid intake.
How Rotavirus Might Cause Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes results when the beta cells in your pancreas are destroyed by your body’s immune cells. As a result, they fail to produce enough insulin. Insulin is the hormone that transports glucose molecules from the bloodstream into the cells.
When you get Rotavirus infection, the virus attacks and destroys the beta cells like that by the immune cells. Unfortunately, the cellular environment in beta cells favors the growth of Rotavirus. This is called ‘tropism, ‘ and it further increases the risk of type 1 diabetes.
What Can You Do To Reduce the Risk of Diabetes in Your Kid?
It’s simple. Take your child for the vaccination against Rotavirus infection.
Extra tip: Ask your kid to follow proper hygiene with a particular focus on frequent hand-washing.
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