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Does smoking during pregnancy protect against type 1 diabetes?
24 novembre 2025
By Ana Espino | Published on November 24, 2025 | 3 min read
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease caused by the destruction of the β-cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans, leading to lifelong dependence on insulin. Its global prevalence is steadily increasing, particularly in developed countries, making T1D a major public health concern due to its metabolic and psychosocial complications.
Although genetic susceptibility is a key factor, early environmental exposures may influence its onset. Among these, maternal smoking during pregnancy is receiving growing attention. Despite its well-known harmful impact on fetal development (growth restriction, respiratory and neurodevelopmental disorders), its association with T1D remains controversial.
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease caused by the destruction of the β-cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans, leading to lifelong dependence on insulin. Its global prevalence is steadily increasing, particularly in developed countries, making T1D a major public health concern due to its metabolic and psychosocial complications.
Although genetic susceptibility is a key factor, early environmental exposures may influence its onset. Among these, maternal smoking during pregnancy is receiving growing attention. Despite its well-known harmful impact on fetal development (growth restriction, respiratory and neurodevelopmental disorders), its association with T1D remains controversial.
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Scientific reference
Zhang, S., et al. (2025). Maternal smoking during pregnancy and risk of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes in offspring: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Biomolecules & biomedicine, 10.17305/bb.2025.13063
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