Type 1 Diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by irreversible destruction of pancreatic insulin-producing cells. In Caucasians, Type 1 Diabetes onset is frequently diagnosed during childhood, predominantly between 5 and 15 years. In contrast, Type 1 Diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa is characterized by a significantly later age at onset with a delay of approximately 10 years.

This project aims to investigate the role of differential immune pathology, genetics and infections contributing to differences in onset age. Type 1 Diabetes patients in Germany and Ghana will be recruited. Investigation of immune system key factors important for the age of Type 1 Diabetes onset will help to develop therapeutic approaches to prevent or delay the disease.