Why is the pancreas, in particular, affected by the infection?
A. Some organs are more sensitive to inflammation and oxidative stress. The liver and the lung probably have stronger defense systems. The pancreas, and beta cells in particular, have comparatively less protection. When you get an infection like the flu, free radicals are generated that attack the pathogens and vulnerable cells. Unfortunately, beta cells in the pancreas are very vulnerable to free radical damage. Q. Why are juveniles at risk for developing diabetes as a result of an infection, whereas adults are not? A. In young people, the defense system is immature, as measured by substances that protect against oxidative damage, such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, and catalase. Older people have higher levels of these protective molecules, so they are less vulnerable. Q. Is there any evidence that good antioxidant status low oxidative stress protects against diabetes in children? Has this been studied in animal models? A. We haven’t done any epidemiolo
