Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is autoimmune, destroying insulin-producing cells, often in childhood. Global rates rise 2-3% yearly. Prenatal factors like maternal autoimmunity may play a role. A recent study published in the Pediatric Diabetes determined if maternal autoimmune conditions associate with T1DM in offspring.

Researchers used a retrospective population cohort with nested case-control from Maternal and Child Health Database and National Health Insurance Research Database. They tracked 2,036,051 newborns from 2004-2014 to 2020. They identified 1273 children under 17 with T1DM via Catastrophic Illness Registry. A 1:10 control group matched by birth date and sex. Maternal autoimmune diseases came from diagnosis codes in hospital and outpatient records. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) accounted for cofactors.

Offspring of mothers with autoimmune disease showed higher T1DM risk (aOR 1.95, 95% CI 1.45-2.63, p<0.001). Specific links included maternal T1DM (aOR 6.81, 95% CI 2.30-20.16, p<0.001), Hashimoto thyroiditis (aOR 3.75, 95% CI 1.85-7.60, p<0.001), rheumatoid arthritis (aOR 2.49, 95% CI 1.08-5.77, p=0.033), and Graves’ disease (aOR 1.85, 95% CI 1.14-2.99, p=0.013).

In this large population cohort, maternal autoimmune diseases associated with increased T1DM odds in children, strongest for maternal T1DM and thyroiditis. Cross-sectional elements within the retrospective design highlight potential screening targets. Further mechanistic studies needed.