Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 18, 2026

A High-Throughput Multiplexed Screening for Type 1 Diabetes, Celiac Diseases, and COVID-19
06:46

A High-Throughput Multiplexed Screening for Type 1 Diabetes, Celiac Diseases, and COVID-19

Published on: July 5, 2022

Childhood and adolescent diabetes

David B Dunger1, Fiona M Regan, Carlo L Acerini

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.

Endocrine Development
|May 10, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Children with type 1 diabetes mellitus often have abnormal insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) levels. IGF-I replacement therapy shows promise for improving metabolic control and reducing complications, but requires further study.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Pediatric Diabetes

Background:

  • Children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) exhibit altered circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3), and IGF binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1).
  • These hormonal imbalances are linked to relative hypoinsulinaemia and hepatic growth hormone (GH) resistance, potentially exacerbating insulin resistance during puberty.
  • Elevated GH and low IGF-I levels are implicated in the pathogenesis of microangiopathic complications, including renal hypertrophy and microalbuminuria.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of IGF-I replacement therapy in managing T1DM.
  • To assess the impact of IGF-I therapy on GH secretion, insulin sensitivity, and glycemic control.
  • To investigate the potential of combined recombinant human IGF-I/rhIGFBP-3 therapy for improved tolerability and reduced free IGF-I exposure.

Main Methods:

  • Review of early studies using recombinant human IGF-I (rhIGF-I) for T1DM treatment.
  • Analysis of pilot studies employing a combination of rhIGF-I and rhIGFBP-3 in T1DM patients.
  • Assessment of short-term and long-term outcomes, including hormonal levels, metabolic parameters, and complication development.

Main Results:

  • Short-term rhIGF-I administration reduced GH hypersecretion, improved insulin sensitivity, and decreased insulin requirements.
  • Longer-term rhIGF-I use led to improved HbA1c levels but was associated with retinopathy at higher doses.
  • Pilot studies with rhIGF-I/rhIGFBP-3 confirmed IGF-I replacement efficacy and demonstrated better tolerability with potentially lower free IGF-I levels.

Conclusions:

  • IGF-I replacement therapy holds potential for managing T1DM, offering benefits in metabolic control and complication reduction.
  • Combined rhIGF-I/rhIGFBP-3 therapy appears to be a safer and more tolerable approach compared to rhIGF-I alone.
  • Further long-term clinical studies are necessary to fully establish the safety and efficacy of the IGF-I/IGFBP-3 combination in T1DM management.

More Related Videos

Accelerated Type 1 Diabetes Induction in Mice by Adoptive Transfer of Diabetogenic CD4+ T Cells06:27

Accelerated Type 1 Diabetes Induction in Mice by Adoptive Transfer of Diabetogenic CD4+ T Cells

Published on: May 6, 2013

Electrochemiluminescence Assays for Human Islet Autoantibodies09:15

Electrochemiluminescence Assays for Human Islet Autoantibodies

Published on: March 23, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Type I Diabetes I: Introduction01:12

Type I Diabetes I: Introduction

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin resulting from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. The loss of insulin production impairs cellular glucose uptake, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia and necessitating lifelong insulin therapy.Autoimmune Destruction of β-CellsThe hallmark of type 1 diabetes is an...
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. The condition affects millions worldwide and can significantly impact their health and quality of life.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
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 Mellitus: Introduction01:26

Diabetes Mellitus: Introduction

Diabetes mellitus consists of chronic metabolic disorders characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. This elevated blood glucose results from defects in insulin secretion, impaired insulin action, or both. Insulin, produced by pancreatic β-cells, is essential for maintaining glucose homeostasis by facilitating cellular glucose uptake for energy or storage. Disruptions in insulin production or function lead to glucose accumulation in the bloodstream, causing the clinical features and long-term...
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...
Pathophysiology of Diabetes01:20

Pathophysiology of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...