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Effect of insulin on plasma vascular endothelial growth factor in children with new-onset diabetes

Ambika Ashraf1, Gail Mick, Sreelatha Meleth

  • 1Department of Pediatrics/Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Children's Hospital, University of Alabama at Birmingham, ACC 608, 1600 Seventh Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233, USA. aashraf@peds.uab.edu

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|May 26, 2005
PubMed

Insights

In new-onset diabetes, elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is linked to hyperglycemia. Insulin treatment effectively reduces VEGF levels and improves glycemic control in children with diabetes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is implicated in diabetic complications.
  • Hyperglycemia is a key factor in the development of diabetes-related issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of insulin therapy and glycemic control on plasma VEGF levels in children newly diagnosed with diabetes.
  • To explore the correlation between plasma VEGF and random plasma glucose levels.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 19 children with new-onset diabetes (ages 3-18).
  • Plasma VEGF levels were measured before and after insulin treatment.
  • Comparison with 55 healthy children with idiopathic short stature.

Main Results:

  • Children with new-onset diabetes showed significantly higher plasma VEGF levels compared to controls.
  • Insulin treatment led to a significant decrease in both plasma VEGF and hemoglobin A1c levels.
  • A strong correlation was observed between reduced plasma VEGF and improved hemoglobin A1c.

Conclusions:

  • Hyperglycemia and insulin deficiency in new-onset diabetes are associated with elevated plasma VEGF.
  • Insulin therapy can mitigate high plasma VEGF levels in children with diabetes.
  • VEGF may play a role in the early stages of diabetic complications.
Abstract

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