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Effect of Oral Glucose Administration on Ghrelin Levels in Normal-Height Prepubertal Children Born Small for

Anna Fedorczak1, Paula Smalczewska1, Magdalena Grobelna1

  • 1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital-Research Institute, 93-338 Lodz, Poland.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|February 27, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Children born small for gestational age (SGA) with obesity have altered ghrelin levels and responses. Ghrelin regulation in these children is linked more to insulin sensitivity than body fat, showing impaired function with obesity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Research
  • Obesity Studies

Background:

  • Children born small for gestational age (SGA) face increased risks of obesity and metabolic issues.
  • Impaired ghrelin regulation may contribute to these long-term health problems in SGA children.
  • Ghrelin influences appetite and growth hormone, with altered levels observed in metabolic dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate ghrelin secretion patterns in prepubertal SGA children during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
  • To examine the relationship between ghrelin responses, obesity, and metabolic syndrome components in SGA children.
  • To determine if ghrelin dynamics correlate with insulin sensitivity and adiposity markers.

Main Methods:

  • Ninety-eight prepubertal children (aged 5-9 years) born SGA were assessed.
  • Measurements included anthropometry, blood pressure, lipids, glucose, insulin, and ghrelin levels (fasting and post-OGTT).
  • Body Mass Index Standard Deviation Score (BMI SDS) and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated.

Main Results:

  • Ghrelin levels significantly decreased after glucose ingestion during the OGTT.
  • Obese SGA children exhibited lower fasting and post-load ghrelin levels and a reduced ghrelin decline compared to non-obese peers.
  • Fasting and post-load ghrelin levels inversely correlated with BMI SDS, waist circumference, and insulin levels.

Conclusions:

  • Ghrelin dynamics in SGA children are closely associated with insulin sensitivity rather than adiposity.
  • Obesity in SGA children is linked to blunted ghrelin responses and impaired regulation.
  • Fasting ghrelin and its suppression are independently associated with insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

Keywords:
OGTTSGAghrelinmetabolic syndromeobesityprepubertal children

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