Recent research by Stanford University’s School of Medicine suggests that gene variations such as those associated with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes (diabetes trials Orlando) might have shielded us from more dangerous diseases in the past. These findings could reconcile the logic of natural selection with the rise in diabetes, answering the question why such disabling traits haven’t been reduced in the gene pool over time.

Research by Dr. Atul Butte and graduate student Erik Corona of Stanford University’s School of Medicine points to genotypes that cause these debilitating conditions as being protective against infectious diseases.

For example, the variant for Type 1 diabetes appears to confer protection against enteroviruses. As whole, enteroviruses result in symptoms that include diarrhea, fever, severe headaches, and can result in death. Numbered among enteroviruses are the polio virus and encephalitis.

To be certain, diabetes carries its own severe conditions, which can result in death. The theory is that the diabetic aspect of the gene variant that offers enterovirus protection may have been only recently manifested under changing environmental factors, such as diet. So that previously the gene variant only offered protection, without the negative effects of diabetes. In evolutionary terms, it has been a sum gain scenario.

Exciting research like this points to an increase in diabetes trials Orlando and powerful new tools in the treatment of diabetes.