Can you explain any relationship between Down's Syndrome and Diabetes Mellitus?
Down's Syndrome (Trisomy 21) is the commonest chromosomal abnormality and so it's not surprising that affected individuals also have other health problems. However, they are overrepresented in a number of illnesses such as leukaemia, thyroid disease, and insulin dependent diabetes. All of these diseases have something to do with the way the immune system operates so presumably that's where the link lies.
Original posting 16 Jan 97
Last Updated: Tuesday April 06, 2010 15:08:52
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