Does farm environment protect against type 1 diabetes mellitus?

Abstract

Aims/Hypothesis: Hygiene hypothesis has been shown valid in respect of allergies and asthma but has not been, however, sufficiently studied in relation to type 1 diabetes mellitus. This study investigates the effect of childhood farm environment on the prevalence of type 1 diabetes mellitus in Finnish children and young adults. Methods: Data come from a questionnaire study carried out in 2007 (N = 5805). Prevalence of type 1 diabetes mellitus was analysed according to the type of the rural exposure below the age of 18 years. Associations were estimated and tested using Bayesian methods. Results: Consistent suggestive evidence of the inverse association of childhoods farm environment with the occurrence of type 1 diabetes mellitus was shown, even though conclusive results were not reached. Conclusion/Interpretation: Exposure to a broad variety of non-pathogenic environmental microorganisms during childhood might have a protective effect on type 1 diabetes mellitus. Results clearly suggest that further research is well grounded with larger samples. © 2013 The Author(s).