Does anyone know if there is evidence that extreme stress can trigger an autoimmune response?
I’m looking for proof of causation. I’ve read anecdotal experiences of stress triggering autoimmune disorders, and I have read research around how environmental triggers (including stress) might interact with genetic predispositions, leading to autoimmune conditions.
I don’t actually know if I was genetically predisposed. I have no family history of Type 1 Diabetes, but there are a lot of Type 2 Diabetics in my family. Then again, a lack of family history doesn’t eliminate the possibility of genetic predisposition. Upon diagnosis, my blood sugar was 43 (Canadian numbers) and I was 29 years old.
I think it has been proven that stress has an impact on your immune system. I was stressed out when I was diagnosed too trying to take finals for my final year at college. I was 21.
I also have no other people with type 1 in my family, but I was still ill with coxsackie virus when I was diagnosed, a known trigger for type 1. However there are many viruses that can trigger it. Don’t know bout stress all on its own, it would be tough to perform a study on something like that because stress is perceived differently by different people.
I was also a very stressed college student when I was diagnosed at 19. I was taking a full load of credits and working 2 part time jobs. I had not been sick before diagnosis. At the time there was no history of Type 1 in my family. 25 years after I was diagnosed my sister was diagnosed with classic Type 1 as well (rapid onset, DKA). Our mother did have Graves Disease.
I do not know of any evidence that would pass the smell test. However, I know there is tons of anecdotal evidence that supports this theory. However, I am doubtful it will ever be sown to be a cause.
Why?
Because many people have severe stress and do not have diabetes. At least immediately. Lets consider astronauts. The launch is extremely stressful. Do they all get diabetes? No not at all. How about combat soldiers? well a few do, but most do not. How about race car drivers?, Base jumpers? For every case there are countervailing outcomes.
I am not saying it is not true? I am doubtful however it can ever be proved.
Here are three papers that seems to support the proposition, there are many more. However, the number and repeatability seems to be lacking. again more anecdotal evidence but important information.
