Does a gluten-free diet protect mice from Type I diabetes?

Image: Madeleine Price BallA study recently published in PLOS ONE provides evidence that type I diabetes is more frequent and occurs earlier in mice on a gluten-containing diet.  

Key terms:
T1D – Type I diabetes
NOD mice - non-obese diabetic mice
microbiota, microbiome – symbiotic microbes, in this case, the ones in our gut

The key statements from the study's conclusions are highlighted:

"Based on this observation and our findings, we could propose that gluten could contribute to the pathogenesis of T1D in the NOD mouse by decreasing Akkermansia, a genus of GIT microbiota that protects against T1D."

"Alternatively, gluten-containing diets may promote 'pathogenic or diabetogenic' bacteria."

"Further experiments are needed to prove these possibilities."

"In conclusion, we have shown that gluten-free diets significantly delay the onset as well as reduce the overall incidence of spontaneous T1D in NOD mice."

"Gut microbiomes from mice fed gluten-free diets was distinct from those of mice fed diabetogenic, gluten-containing diets. Therefore, gluten could contribute to the pathogenesis of T1D by modulating the gut microflora."

Source

Low Incidence of Spontaneous Type 1 Diabetes in Non-Obese Diabetic Mice Raised on Gluten-Free Diets Is Associated with Changes in the Intestinal Microbiome

The study was performed by a team of researchers from:

• Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota,
• Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, 
• Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, 
• Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, 
• Department of Animal & Range Sciences, College of Agriculture, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana
• Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, & Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota

Type 1 diabetes resolves in child following removal of gluten from diet. One more reason to avoid grains.

Researchers at the Copenhagen University Hospital in Herlev, Denmark report on a 6-year old boy diagnosed with Type I diabetes who was placed on a gluten free diet. Although gluten-free is not full Paleo, it's certainly a step in the right direction. Twenty months later, the child does still does not require insulin. This is a very important result in this otherwise serious and lifetime disorder. Further studies are recommended.

Related Post 

SUCCESS STORY: CHILD WITH REMISSION OF DIABETES ON THE PALEO DIET 

The Food Lover's Kitchen announces myKitchen app

Hayley Mason and Bill Staley, bloggers at The Food Lover's Kitchen and authors Make it Paleo, recently announced a new iPhone and Android app called myKitchen.  

myKitchen is the easiest way to take your favorite Paleo, Primal, and Gluten-free recipes with you wherever you go. You can save your favorite recipes, create daily meal plans and unique menus, and even generate shopping lists.

Learn more here.