Congenital infections as contributors to the onset of diabetes in children: A longitudinal study in the United States, 2001‐2017

Abstract

Background: Maternal infections during pregnancy, particularly with rubella virus, were reported to increase the risk of diabetes in children. Widespread vaccination has decreased the number of infants with congenital rubella syndrome in the United States, although it remains a problem in developing countries. Because vaccine hesitancy has recently increased, we investigated the association between congenital infections with subsequent diabetes risk in children in the United States.Methods: Using data from a nationwide private health insurer for years 2001-2017, 1 475 587 infants were followed for an average of 3.9 years (maximum 16.5 years).Information was obtained regarding congenital infections (rubella, cytomegalovirus, other congenital infections) and perinatal infections, as well as for the development of diabetes mellitus and diabetic ketoacidosis.Results: There were 781 infants with congenital infections and 73 974 with perinatal infections. Diabetes developed in 3334 children. The odds of developing diabetes for infants with congenital rubella infection were 12-fold greater (P = .013) and, for infants with congenital cytomegalovirus infection, were 4-fold greater (P = .011) than infants without congenital or perinatal infection. Infants with other congenital infections had 3-fold greater odds of developing diabetes (P = .044). Results were similar for diabetes ketoacidosis. Infants with other perinatal infections had 49% greater odds of developing diabetes during the follow-up period (P < .001).Conclusion: Congenital and other perinatal infections are associated with elevated risks of developing diabetes mellitus during childhood. Vaccination for rubella remains an important preventive action to reduce the incidence of diabetes in children. K E Y W O R D S congenital infection, cytomegalovirus, diabetes, rubella

Congenital infections as contributors to the onset of diabetes in children: A longitudinal study in the United States, 2001–2017

“…In conclusion, congenital and other perinatal infections are associated with the onset of diabetes mellitus in children. For some infections such as rubella, vaccination is available and, 17 therefore, the benefits of vaccination should be emphasized in the population as a whole. Recognition of the early symptoms of type 1 diabetes is important for parents and guardians of children with a history of congenital infection.…”

Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome and Autoimmunity: Two Case Reports of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

“…Children with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), congenital cytomegalovirus infection and enterovirus infection present a higher risk of developing T1DM. 4,5 Influence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 on pancreatic β-cell death has also been reported. 3…”

Advances in Pancreatic Islet Transplantation Sites for the Treatment of Diabetes

“…Diabetes is attributed to defects in insulin secretion and action; disturbance in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism; faulty micro-and macro-vascularization; chronic inflammatory state. All these pathologies result in complications, such as of blindness, retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular diseases (2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9). Emerging evidence suggests that diabetes is a risk factor for various other diseases, as illustrated by SARS-CoV-2 infection complications resulting from the direct infection in the endocrine and exocrine pancreas .…”