A rapid rise in diabetes incidence cannot be attributed to changes in the genetic susceptibility of the European population. According to the latest research, it is more likely to reflect the influence of crucial environmental factors, including pathogens.
Growing evidence suggests that there is a causal association between persistent enterovirus (EV) infection and development of inflammation that ultimately leads to type 1 diabetes (T1D). The EU-funded PEVNET (Persistent virus infection as a cause of pathogenic inflammation in type 1 diabetes - An innovative research program of biobanks and expertise) project studied this potential association.
Further details: Chronic virus infection link with diabetes