Food Consumption and the Risk of Type 1 Diabetes in Children and Youth: A Population-Based, Case-Control Study in Prince Edward Island, Canada

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if the consumption of certain foods during the year prior to diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) was associated with the risk of developing T1D in children and youth residing in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Methods: Cases (n = 57) consisted of newly diagnosed patients with T1D during 2001 to 2004. Controls (n = 105) were randomly selected from the province's population, and matched to cases by age at diagnosis and sex. Food consumption in cases and controls was assessed using two previously validated food frequency questionnaires, and a survey was developed to collect information on potential environmental and genetic risk factors. Results: The median age at diagnosis was nine years, and 67% of cases were male. After controlling for the matched variables and four significant environmental and genetic risk factors (family members with T1D, the number of infections during the first two years of life, place of residence, and father's education) in the Final logistic regression model, the consumption of regular soft drinks (OR = 2.78. 95% CI = 1.21, 6.36) and eggs (OR = 2.50, 95% CI = 1.09, 5.75) were significant risk factors of T1D. when consumed once per week or more often. Conclusion: Diet may play a role in the development of T1D. However, further research is needed to confirm these observed associations.