SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF THE LINK BETWEEN TYPE 1 DIABETES IN ATHLETE CHILDREN AND VIRAL INFECTIONS

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the potential link between Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) in athlete children and viral infections, focusing on enterovirus, mumps virus, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A comprehensive electronic search was conducted in PubMed and Embase databases for studies published from January 1985 to September 2021 that investigated the association between T1D and viral infections. Relevant studies were identified using specific keywords and selected based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data extraction followed, and meta-analytical techniques were employed to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The search yielded 27 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed that children with T1D had a significantly higher risk of enterovirus infection with a pooled OR of 3.36 (95% CI: 1.94-5.82). Similarly, the risk associated with mumps virus was elevated with an OR of 1.69 (95% CI: 1.04-2.75). However, cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus did not show a statistically significant association with T1D, with ORs of 0.51 (95% CI: 0.21-1.27) and 0.67 (95% CI: 0.21-2.09), respectively. Conclusions: The findings indicate a significant association between T1D in athlete children and infections with enterovirus and mumps virus, suggesting these viruses may play a role in the pathogenesis of T1D. The lack of significant associations with cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus requires further investigation. These insights are crucial for developing preventive strategies in pediatric sports health, aiming to mitigate the impact of these viral infections on the incidence and management of T1D among young athletes.