Decrease in protein levels could be sign child will develop diabetes

(Source: Asian News International, 26 April 2011)
A study has found that the decreasing blood levels of a protein that helps control inflammation could be a sign that a child will develop diabetes. Georgia Health Sciences University researchers are looking at blood levels of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, or IL-1ra, in children because their genes put them at risk for type 1 diabetes.

They are also looking at diabetic mice missing IL-1ra to see how the protein deficiency affects immune function and destruction of insulin-producing islet beta cells. Read more