Biological Determinants of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Iraqi Pediatric and Adolescent Populations: A Review

Abstract

Abstract 
Background:
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is considered as a chronic autoimmune disease that affects children mainly due to the destruction of beta cells. This review aims to summaries the biological risk factors—genetic, autoimmune, and viral—affecting Iraqi children, and to identify research gaps for future studies.
Method:
We conducted a narrative review of the studies that done in  Iraqi in (2014–2025) and compared with selected global research, the review focused on the biological risk factor (genetic markers, autoantibodies, and viral triggers) in T1DM.
Results:
Iraqi studies investigated genes like HLA-DR3/DR4, INSR, and CTLA-4, but showed limitations (e.g., small samples, old techniques). Key immune genes (e.g., PTPN22, TYK2, IL2RA) remain unstudied. Research on autoantibodies and viral factors like Coxsackie B virus is also limited
Conclusion:
There are major gaps in Iraq’s research on T1DM risk factors. Broader, advanced studies are urgently needed to improve early detection and personalized care.