Does astrology affect diabetes? A study in Sweden found that the month of a child's birth affects the risk of whether that child will one day develop diabetes (Arch Dis Child 1999;81:143-146). The researchers looked at all children born in their region over a 30-year period, and there was a distinct seasonal variation that went beyond the random variation one might expect. This suggests that early environmental exposures (perhaps even before the baby is born) trigger the eventual development of this autoimmune disease. Those born in October are the least likely to develop diabetes. August is the highest risk month.