IGF1 and type 1 diabetes mellitus: Previous reports implicating IGF-1 in the prevention of T1D development (Bergerot et al, 1995; Kaino et al, 1996; George et al, 2002; Chen et al, 2004; Casellas et al, 2006; Agudo et al, 2008) have cited its mitogenic properties (Smith et al, 1991; Le Roith, 1997) mainly acting on the affected tissues, while protecting them from the stress caused by the autoimmune attack.