JDRF - Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

JDRF-funded researchers find that some people with type 1 diabetes have an abnormal immune response to wheat proteins.

Type 1 diabetes often co-occurs with coeliac disease, an autoimmune condition caused by a over-reaction of the gut to wheat products. Previous research has shown that these conditions exhibit similar immune reactions and share a number of genetic origins.

Traditionally, the two conditions were believed to be related purely by the similarity of the autoimmune process. Recent research from Canada queries this and suggests that it may in fact be wheat protein itself that triggers both the conditions.

Lead by Professor Fraser Scott, researchers at the University of Ottawa tested the reaction of 42 young adults with type 1 diabetes to dietary wheat products.

While none of the study participants had any symptoms of coeliac disease, or possessed the genes increasing their predisposition to coeliacs, almost half of the study participants recorded a significant immune reaction to wheat. This reaction appeared to be caused by a defective gut barrier allowing excessive amounts of wheat protein to trigger the abnormal immune reaction.

“The immune system has to find the perfect balance to defend the body against foreign invaders without hurting itself or over-reacting to the environment and this can be particularly challenging in the gut, where there is an abundance of food and bacteria,” said Professor Fraser Scott, lead researcher from the University of Ottawa.

“Our research suggests that people with certain genes may be more likely to develop an over-reaction to wheat and possibly other foods in the gut and this may tip the balance with the immune system and make the body more likely to develop other immune problems, such as type 1 diabetes.”

While previous research has shown that a wheat-free diet can reduce the risk of type 1 diabetes in rats, Professor Scott notes that this is a very small study and more research is required to confirm the link and determine possible effects of gluten-free diets in humans.