Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 7, 2026

A High-content In Vitro Pancreatic Islet β-cell Replication Discovery Platform
09:35

A High-content In Vitro Pancreatic Islet β-cell Replication Discovery Platform

Published on: July 16, 2016

Residual β-cell mass influences growth of prepubertal children with type 1 diabetes

Carla Bizzarri1, Danila Benevento, Ippolita Patrizia Patera

  • 1Unit of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.

Hormone Research in Paediatrics
|September 21, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) impacts child growth even with intensive insulin therapy. Preserving residual beta-cell function positively influences growth, independent of glycemic control quality.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Diabetes Research

Background:

  • Childhood growth deceleration is linked to type 1 diabetes (T1D) and poor glycemic control.
  • The persistence of growth impairment despite optimized T1D therapy remains unclear.
  • This study investigates the impact of intensive insulin treatment on prepubertal growth in children with T1D.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the long-term effects of intensive insulin therapy on the growth of prepubertal children with type 1 diabetes.
  • To determine the relationship between residual beta-cell function, glycemic control, and growth outcomes in T1D.
  • To assess if growth impairment persists in T1D children even with optimized treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal evaluation of 104 children with T1D from diagnosis to puberty onset.
  • Regular monitoring of height, weight, insulin requirements, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).
  • Estimation of residual beta-cell mass using fasting C-peptide levels at T1D onset.

Main Results:

  • Height SDS showed a slight but significant decrease from 0.52 at onset to 0.36 at follow-up (p=0.04).
  • BMI SDS significantly increased from -0.04 to 0.32 (p=0.01).
  • Height velocity was positively associated with C-peptide and insulin requirement, and inversely with HbA1c. BMI gain was negatively influenced by HbA1c.

Conclusions:

  • Intensive insulin therapy does not fully prevent the negative impact of type 1 diabetes on prepubertal growth.
  • Residual beta-cell mass plays a crucial role in promoting growth in T1D children.
  • The positive effect of residual beta-cell function on growth is independent of glycemic control levels (HbA1c).
Abstract

More Related Videos

Assessing Replication and Beta Cell Function in Adenovirally-transduced Isolated Rodent Islets09:31

Assessing Replication and Beta Cell Function in Adenovirally-transduced Isolated Rodent Islets

Published on: June 25, 2012

Sustained Administration of β-cell Mitogens to Intact Mouse Islets Ex Vivo Using Biodegradable Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Microspheres09:31

Sustained Administration of β-cell Mitogens to Intact Mouse Islets Ex Vivo Using Biodegradable Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Microspheres

Published on: November 5, 2016

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...
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology01:26

Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

Type 1 diabetes mellitus arises from an immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin. This process develops in genetically susceptible individuals when autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and immunologic dysregulation converge to trigger a targeted attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The β-cells are located within the islets of Langerhans and are essential for regulating blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of...
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...
Carbohydrate Metabolism01:36

Carbohydrate Metabolism

Carbohydrates are polymers composed of molecules containing atoms of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. One gram of carbohydrate can provide four kilo-calories of energy, which makes it the most efficient instant energy source.
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in the...
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology01:24

Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

PathophysiologyType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM ) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. It results from interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stressors, such as overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Insulin Resistance and Glucose DysregulationEarly T2DM involves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.
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...