The inventor of the present disclosure has advantageously elucidated the role of senescent processes in the development of Type 1 diabetes. Genotoxic stress responses, senescence, and acquisition of a SASP condition in beta cells are drivers that progress at-risk individuals to overt Type 1 diabetes. The administration of senolytic agents to at risk individuals selectively removes senescent cells and relieves beta cells from the factors which drive the development of overt Type 1 diabetes. Accordingly, Type 1 diabetes can be prevented in at-risk individuals by the administration of senolytic compositions. Additionally, given the major role of SASP in the development of Type 1 diabetes, the inhibition of SASP factors may be used to prevent Type 1 diabetes.
