Abstract
Exposure of individuals to specific risk factors appears to be required for the development of genetically controlled insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. The risk factors for insulin dependent diabetes mellitus are not known. Viruses, toxic chemicals, and certain dietary factors have been implicated, although the evidence for their involvement is not strong. It has been proposed that exposure to risk factors occurs long before the onset of clinical symptoms and may even occur before birth. The incidence of insulin dependent diabetes in Finland has increased considerably over recent years, with Finland having the highest incidence of the disease in the world. Finland also has the highest consumption of coffee in the world; this has also increased in recent years. A correlation was observed between the incidence of insulin dependent diabetes and coffee consumption; caffeine could be a risk factor for insulin dependent diabetes in the unborn child. Caffeine is able to cross the placenta and reach the fetus which lacks the enzymes necessary to break it down. Consequently, caffeine accumulates in fetal tissues, especially the liver and brain. Caffeine may have a toxic effect on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas in individuals who are genetically susceptible. It is known that pregnant women who drink large amounts of coffee have an increased risk for spontaneous abortion, premature delivery and giving birth to infants who are underweight. The hypothesis that caffeine is a risk factor for insulin dependent diabetes will be further tested in animal models. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)