Impact of glycemic control on serum lipoprotein (a) in Arab children with type 1 diabetes

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Glycemic Impact on Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms on Physical, Radiographic, and Inflammatory Markers among Individuals Aged 50 and Over with Diabetes
07:22

Glycemic Impact on Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms on Physical, Radiographic, and Inflammatory Markers among Individuals Aged 50 and Over with Diabetes

Published on: March 7, 2025

M Alsaeid1, M Qabazard, A Shaltout

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait. mayra@hsc.kuniv.edu.kw

Pediatrics International : Official Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
|May 31, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Poor glycemic control in Arab children with type 1 diabetes is linked to elevated Lipoprotein (a) levels, increasing cardiovascular risk. This highlights the importance of metabolic control in managing diabetes complications.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

  • Lipoprotein (a) (Lp (a)) is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD).
  • Type 1 diabetes and CAD are significant health concerns, particularly in Kuwait.
  • Limited data exist on Lp (a) levels in diabetic children, especially Arab populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze serum Lp (a) levels in type 1 diabetic children compared to non-diabetic children.
  • To investigate the impact of glycemic control on Lp (a) levels in diabetic children.

Main Methods:

  • Serum Lp (a) levels were measured in 60 non-diabetic and 58 type 1 diabetic prepubertal children.
  • Diabetic children were categorized into good-to-fair control (GHb <11%) and poor control (GHb ≥11%) groups.
  • Lp (a) concentrations were compared across these groups.

Main Results:

  • Mean serum Lp (a) was higher in diabetic children (187.62 mg/L) than controls (162.88 mg/L).
  • Children with poor glycemic control exhibited significantly higher median Lp (a) levels (147.50 mg/L) compared to those with good control (95 mg/L) and controls (125 mg/L).
  • Poorly controlled diabetic children showed a higher prevalence of elevated Lp (a) levels (≥250 mg/L) than other groups.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated Lp (a) levels in Arab children are strongly associated with poor metabolic control in type 1 diabetes.
  • The prevalence of cardiovascular risk-associated Lp (a) levels is higher in poorly controlled diabetic children.
  • Increased Lp (a) may contribute to the heightened risk of CAD in diabetic patients.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Overview of Lipid Metabolism01:24

Overview of Lipid Metabolism

Lipid metabolism is a crucial process in the human body that involves the synthesis and degradation of lipids. This process is essential for energy production, cell membrane formation, and hormone production, among other functions.
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational

Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications01:15

Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications

For most patients, experiencing several weeks of polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, and significant weight loss may indicate the presence of diabetes. Furthermore, adults displaying the phenotypic appearance of type 2 diabetes (particularly those who are obese and not initially insulin-requiring), may have islet cell autoantibodies, suggesting autoimmune-mediated β cell destruction and a diagnosis of latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA). The categorization of glucose homeostasis is based on...
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects01:16

Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects

Insulin-replacement therapy usually includes both long-acting insulin (basal) and short-acting insulin (to cater to postprandial needs). In a diverse group of type 1 diabetes patients, the average daily insulin dose is typically 0.5-0.7 units/kg body weight. However, obese patients and pubertal adolescents may need more due to insulin resistance.
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile01:25

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile

Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
Hyperglycemia01:29

Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia is an abnormally high blood glucose level. It is diagnosed by fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL, 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (or OGTT) ≥200 mg/dL, random glucose ≥200 mg/dL with symptoms, or HbA1c ≥6.5%. However, HbA1c results may be unreliable in certain conditions, such as anemia or hemoglobinopathies, and the diagnosis should be confirmed unless classic symptoms are present. Postprandial hyperglycemia is typically considered significant when glucose levels exceed 180 mg/dL two...