A new study from the Netherlands suggests that those who have been infected with the cytomegalovirus were twice as likely to have Type 2 diabetes. Cytomegalovirus is a type of herpes which is found in 50 to 80% of adults over the age of 40. Most people show no symptoms of the infection.
The findings suggest that cytomegalovirus plays a role in the development of Type 2 diabetes in the elderly. However, it is an association, not a cause-effect link. While the research is interesting, studies following the participants in time to see if the virus causes Type 2 diabetes are needed. The study was also performed with elderly participants and may not apply to other segments of the population.
Previous studies have linked cytomegalovirus to Type 1 diabetes, but previous studies comparing the virus with Type 2 diabetes have had inconsistent results. One previous study looked at adults aged 45 to 84 and found no link. In this study, information was analyzed from 549 elderly adults in the Netherlands, 80% of which were infected with cytomegalovirus, and 15% had Type 2 diabetes. 17% of those with the virus had Type 2 diabetes, compared to 7.9% without the virus.
The researchers speculated that cytomegalovirus may predispose patients to Type 2 diabetes by harming cells of the pancreas. The virus may also increase diabetes risk after years of infection. On the other hand, it's possible that Type 2 diabetes impairs the immune system, allowing the virus to infiltrate. This explanation is not likely however, as most people are infected with cytomegalovirus as children.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
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