Studies show that diabetes and the immune system ability to properly respond diabetics at greater risk for infections. High blood glucose levels negatively effect blood vessels, circulation, and the healing of wounds and have been found to be a significant cause of bacterial and fungal infections. The specifics of this heightened susceptibility are still being investigated with in vitro analysis of diabetes immune cells showing similarities to other autoimmune diseases.

Type 1 Diabetes and Immune System

In type 1 diabetes cells from the immune system target and destroy insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas ultimately leading to a total lack of insulin. Scientist continue to study the cause for autoimmune diseases, with research consistently pointing to genetics and to a lesser extent environment. Research has also linked type 1 diabetes to other autoimmune disorders like anemia, thyroid disease, and Addison’s disease. In a Northwestern University  study diabetes patients …