Is There a Link Between Type 1 Diabetes and Multiple Sclerosis?

By Brett Drummond

Recently, we had a member of our community ask us whether there was a link between Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and MS. In response, here is a short summary of what is currently known on the topic.

In January this year, a study involving a very large cohort of children and adolescents with T1D investigated their risk of also developing MS. The study found that this population did have a higher risk of developing MS, which was potentially linked to a number of environmental factors. Similar results had been obtained from a slightly smaller study in 2006, which showed people with T1D had a three-fold higher risk of developing MS. Further highlighting a potential link, a study in 2001 showed that the immune response observed was very similar in both conditions, with both the pancreas and central nervous system targeted.

The mechanisms by which these two conditions may be linked is still not well understood. It is known that both have genetic components (such as a group of proteins involved in the immune system known as HLA molecules) and environmental components (such as geographical location – probably related to vitamin D levels) that can increase an individual’s risk. Further research into how T1D and MS are linked will not only enhance our understanding of both conditions, it will facilitate the development of better treatments and a potential cure.