Story at-a-glance Type 1 diabetes affects about four in 1,000 U.S. children and is linked to the disruption of the gut microbiome, particularly through early antibiotic exposure A study from the University of Colorado Boulder found that there's a 10-day window during early life when specific gut microbes are required for proper pancreatic beta cell development When antibiotics are given during the 10-day window, it disrupts the growth of insulin-producing cells and contributes to the development of Type 1 diabetes later in life Another study found that maternal use of certain antibiotics before and during pregnancy significantly increased children's risk of developing Type 1 diabetes To protect your child's gut health and reduce their risk of diabetes, limit the use of antibiotics during pregnancy and infancy, encourage breastfeeding, use probiotics strategically, and provide them a nutritious diet