> My point is that we do know viruses "directly cause" Type 1 diabetes If you mean virus are capable of directly causing T1D in theory and animal models, sure.

> My point is that we do know viruses "directly cause" Type 1 diabetes If you mean virus are capable of directly causing T1D in theory and animal models, sure. As to whether this actually happens to humans in real life is as clear as mud. There is also similarly weak evidence that says viruses have either no or a protective role in the pathogenesis of T1D.