A Missing Molecule: Why Children with Type 1 Diabetes Have Lower Levels of Hydrogen Sulfide

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a naturally occurring molecule in the body with several important protective roles. Research has shown it helps reduce inflammation, fight oxidative stress (cellular damage from unstable molecules), and protect blood vessels.

The body produces hydrogen sulfide through a specific enzyme called cystathionine-γ-lyase, or CSE. This enzyme is encoded by a gene called CTH. When hydrogen sulfide levels drop, the body may lose some of these protective benefits.

A new study compared 36 children with Type 1 diabetes to 35 healthy children of similar ages. Researchers measured multiple substances in their blood, including hydrogen sulfide and ketones.

The results were clear: children with Type 1 diabetes had significantly lower blood levels of hydrogen sulfide than healthy controls. The study also found that children with Type 1 diabetes had lower levels of vitamin D (25(OH)VD).

Notably, hydrogen sulfide levels showed an inverse relationship with ketones—meaning higher ketone levels were associated with lower hydrogen sulfide levels. This pattern also held true for specific types of ketones, including beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate.

To understand why this happens, researchers conducted laboratory experiments using cultured liver cells (hepatocytes). They exposed these cells to conditions mimicking Type 1 diabetes: high glucose levels and elevated ketones.

When liver cells were exposed to acetoacetate (a ketone) and high glucose, the expression of the CTH gene decreased. This means the cells produced less of the enzyme needed to manufacture hydrogen sulfide.

These findings suggest that the high ketone levels seen in Type 1 diabetes—particularly during periods of poor blood sugar control or diabetic ketoacidosis—may actively suppress the body's ability to produce hydrogen sulfide.

This study identifies a new potential mechanism in Type 1 diabetes: the buildup of ketones may reduce hydrogen sulfide production, removing some of the body's natural protective molecules at a time when inflammation and oxidative stress are already elevated.

However, this research is still in early stages. The studies were conducted in lab settings, and much more work is needed to understand whether correcting hydrogen sulfide levels could benefit people with Type 1 diabetes or what role this plays in diabetes complications.

The findings add to growing evidence that Type 1 diabetes involves complex chemical imbalances beyond blood sugar alone, and that understanding these interconnections may eventually lead to new ways to protect health.

Source: Genes. Evidence type: PubMed indexed literature. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.