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Growth, growth factors and diabetes

Francesco Chiarelli1, Cosimo Giannini, Angelika Mohn

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti, Italy. chiarelli@unich.it

European Journal of Endocrinology
|November 24, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) can impact child growth, but improved insulin therapy and glycemic control now lead to normal final height. Modern diabetes management supports healthy growth and development in children with T1DM.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) historically correlated with impaired linear growth and pubertal development in children.
  • Early insulin therapy was associated with short stature in pediatric T1DM patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the impact of T1DM on growth and pubertal development in children.
  • To evaluate the role of the growth hormone-insulin-like growth-I (GH-IGF-I) axis in diabetic growth impairment.
  • To assess the effect of modern diabetes management on growth outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Review of historical and contemporary data on growth and pubertal development in children with T1DM.
  • Analysis of the relationship between glycemic control (hemoglobin levels) and the GH-IGF-I axis.
  • Evaluation of the impact of intensified insulin regimens on growth parameters.

Main Results:

  • Significant improvements in growth prognosis and final height for children with T1DM over the past 50 years.
  • Growth impairment is linked to GH-IGF-I axis abnormalities, influenced by insulin levels and glycemic control.
  • Intensified insulin regimens may normalize metabolic control, thereby preventing GH-IGF-I axis dysfunction.

Conclusions:

  • Modern diabetes care, including intensified insulin therapy, can normalize growth and final height in children with T1DM.
  • Effective glycemic control is crucial for preventing growth abnormalities related to the GH-IGF-I axis.
  • Children with T1DM can achieve growth outcomes comparable to their peers without diabetes with optimal management.

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