Franziska Spritzler, RD, CDEThe incidence of type 1 diabetes has been rising worldwide for the past few decades.(1) While the precise triggers behind this increase are unknown, theories include improvements in hygiene and reduced microbial exposure during childhood, viral infections, vitamin D deficiency, and early exposure to cow’s milk and other allergens.(2)
The recent pandemic may have exacerbated this trend. After analyzing 17 studies involving more than 38,000 children, researchers found that there was a 16% higher rate of type 1 diabetes in the first year of the pandemic and a 28% higher rate in the second year, compared to the year before COVID-19.(3)
The actual rise in type 1 diabetes may be even higher due to misdiagnosis in adults. Adults with type 1 diabetes are often mistakenly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes due to their age. In fact, up to 40% of adults with type 1 diabetes may be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.(4) This misdiagnosis, coupled with a slower onset, can delay proper treatment and lead to poor glucose control.
The increase in new cases of type 1 diabetes is concerning for a number of reasons. Unlike type 2 diabetes, which can often be managed with lifestyle changes and medication, type 1 diabetes requires lifelong insulin therapy and constant blood glucose monitoring. The cost of managing type 1 diabetes –– including expenses for insulin, monitoring devices, and healthcare visits –– places a substantial financial burden on individuals and healthcare systems.(5, 6)
How a Ketogenic or Very-Low-Carb Diet Can Help
Adopting a very-low-carb approach can be a game-changer for people with type 1 diabetes, offering better blood glucose control, reducing insulin requirements, and fostering a renewed sense of confidence and vitality. To learn more, read our article, “A Ketogenic or Very-Low-Carb Diet for Type 1 Diabetes.”
REFERENCES
Changes in the Global Epidemiology of Type 1 Diabetes in an Evolving Landscape of Environmental Factors: Causes, Challenges, and Opportunities, Medicina, 2023
Why Is Type 1 Diabetes Increasing? Journal of American Endocrinology, 2013
Incidence of Diabetes in Children and Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, JAMA Network Open, 2023
Misdiagnosis of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in adults, The Lancet Regional Health, 2023
The High Cost of Insulin in the United States: An Urgent Call to Action, Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 2020
Estimation of Annual Health Care Costs for Adults with Type 1 Diabetes in the United States, Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy, 2020
