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Published on: December 31, 2015

Insulin therapy in preterm newborns

Kathryn Beardsall1, David Dunger

  • 1Clinical Lecturer Neonatology, University Department of Paediatrics, Addenbrooke's Hospital Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom. dbd25@cam.ac.uk

Early Human Development
|October 14, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Premature infants face risks to pancreatic development, affecting insulin secretion and sensitivity. Managing hyperglycemia with insulin may improve short-term outcomes and potentially long-term health, but clinical trial results are pending.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Endocrinology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • The perinatal period is crucial for pancreatic development.
  • Prematurity impacts insulin secretion and sensitivity, leading to hyperglycemia in infants.
  • Hyperglycemia signifies relative insulin deficiency, affecting anabolism and growth factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To define the impact of prematurity on pancreatic development, specifically insulin secretion and sensitivity.
  • To explore the effects of insulin use and hyperglycemia prevention in preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • The study reviews existing literature on perinatal pancreatic development and prematurity.
  • It analyzes the consequences of hyperglycemia and potential interventions like insulin therapy.

Main Results:

  • Premature infants are at risk of hyperglycemia, indicating impaired insulin function.
  • Insulin therapy and hyperglycemia management may influence immune function, lipid metabolism, and growth.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the effects of prematurity on insulin regulation is vital for neonatal care.
  • Further clinical trials are needed to confirm the long-term benefits of managing hyperglycemia in preterm infants.

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