Type 1 diabetic fathers almost twice as likely to transmit condition to kids

A recent study from Cardiff University and the University of Exeter reveals that children are 1.8 times more likely to develop type 1 diabetes (T1D) if their father has the condition compared to if their mother does, New Atlas reported yesterday.

The research, which analyzed data from 11,475 individuals diagnosed with T1D, suggests that maternal T1D may confer long-term protection to offspring, particularly if the mother had the condition during pregnancy.

While both parents’ genetic risk scores were similar, the timing of the parent’s diagnosis was crucial. This study indicates that exposure to T1D in the womb plays a significant role in protecting against the disease.

The findings could lead to new preventive strategies for T1D, focusing on the protective factors associated with maternal diabetes. The study will be presented at the European Association of the Study of Diabetes meeting in September.