Diabetes link to hygiene

By Catherine Gaunt, Nursery World, 2 October 2008

Clean environments could be linked to a rise in the number of under-fives with diabetes, according to a new study.

Scientists from the University of Bristol, reporting online in the journal Nature, carried out experiments on genetically modified mice that lacked the part of their immune system that responds to bacteria. They found that 80 per cent of mice raised in a completely germ-free environment and lacking 'friendly' bacteria developed diabetes. Research last year by other Bristol University researchers found there had been a five-fold increase in the incidence of Type 1 diabetes in children aged under five in the past 20 years. The latest findings...

Registered user content only - want to read on?

New users register here free for full access

Sign up free to Nursery World now.

1. Your details
 
2. Data Protection

Haymarket Media Group is committed to reserving your right of privacy. Haymarket is registered under, and will process your data, in accordance with the Data Protection Act. Click to see our Summary of privacy and information policy.

From time to time Haymarket Media Group will allow carefully selected third parties to contact you about their products and services. Please indicate below your preferences for such communications:

 

Log in

Forgotten your password?