Virus may trigger type 1 diabetes, say researchers

A specific virus family has been implicated in the development of type 1 diabetes, raising the prospect of vaccinations against the disease.

Data from two studies show a clear link between the condition and group B coxsackieviruses, which are known to damage insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease caused by the body’s defences destroying insulin-producing beta cells. But what triggers the extreme immune reaction has been an unanswered question.