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Height at diagnosis of diabetes in children: a study in identical twins

P J Hoskins, R D Leslie, D A Pyke

    British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Ed.)
    |January 26, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    Growth delay may precede symptoms in children with insulin-dependent diabetes. This study found that diabetic twins experienced significant growth delays months before diagnosis, suggesting a slow onset of the disease.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Endocrinology
    • Metabolic Disorders
    • Twin Studies

    Background:

    • Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is a chronic metabolic disorder.
    • The onset of IDDM in children can vary in presentation.
    • Understanding the early stages of IDDM is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the relationship between growth patterns and the onset of IDDM in adolescents.
    • To determine if growth delay is a precursor to symptomatic IDDM in young individuals.

    Main Methods:

    • A comparative study involving 16 pairs of identical twins.
    • One twin was diagnosed with IDDM, while the other served as an unaffected control.
    • Height measurements at diagnosis were compared between diabetic twins and their cotwins.

    Main Results:

    • Eight diabetic twins were shorter than their unaffected cotwins at diagnosis.
    • Diabetic twins experiencing shorter stature had an average growth delay of at least 35 weeks prior to diagnosis.
    • The mean duration of observable symptoms was only six weeks, significantly shorter than the growth delay period.

    Conclusions:

    • The onset of insulin-dependent diabetes in children may be a gradual process.
    • Significant growth delay can occur several months before the appearance of clinical symptoms.
    • Early, subtle indicators like growth deceleration may precede overt signs of pediatric IDDM.

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