MS and Diabetes Share Common Factors

Researchers in Canada believe that Multiple Sclerosis and type 1 (Juvenile) diabetes mellitus share many common factors, such as geographic distribution, genetic similarities and shared environmental risk factors. Dr Michael Dosh, principal investigator also claims "in a test tube, you can barely tell the two diseases apart". Both conditions also have a long 'incubation' period before symptoms develop.

Sensitivity to cow's milk protein has already been identified as a potential risk factor for diabetes sufferers and this new research found the same seems to be true for MS sufferers. It may now be possible to design a dietary means to alter the spread of both diseases.

Both conditions are auto-immune diseases, causing the body to turn on itself, though clinically symptoms and effects are less similar.

Even so, scientists hope these new discoveries will lead to new approaches to treatment and prevention.

Friday, 30 March 2001