Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 13, 2026

Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
12:08

Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital

Published on: June 11, 2012

Metabolic control in children with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus assessed by hemoglobin A1c

H B Mortensen, S Vestermark, K W Kastrup

    Acta Paediatrica Scandinavica
    |March 1, 1982
    PubMed

    Insights

    Hemoglobin A1c monitoring in children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus revealed seasonal variations and a link to growth. Improved metabolic control was observed during summer months, highlighting the importance of frequent testing for managing diabetes in children.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatrics
    • Endocrinology
    • Clinical Chemistry

    Background:

    • Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) requires careful metabolic control in children.
    • Glycosylated hemoglobin (hemoglobin A1c) is a key marker for long-term glucose regulation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To assess the utility of hemoglobin A1c in monitoring metabolic control in pediatric IDDM patients.
    • To investigate correlations between hemoglobin A1c, clinical control, growth, and seasonal factors.

    Main Methods:

    • Hemoglobin A1c levels were measured using iso-electric focusing in 92 children with IDDM over 18 months.
    • Metabolic control was assessed clinically and correlated with hemoglobin A1c levels and growth parameters.

    Main Results:

    • A significant correlation was found between hemoglobin A1c and clinical metabolic control.
    • Lower hemoglobin A1c levels were observed during summer (June-July), indicating improved control.
    • Poorly controlled diabetic children (hemoglobin A1c > 12.5%) showed improved carbohydrate tolerance and lower hemoglobin A1c by study end.
    • Retarded linear growth correlated directly with poorer metabolic control (higher hemoglobin A1c).

    Conclusions:

    • Hemoglobin A1c is valuable for routine management of pediatric IDDM, especially in cases of poor control.
    • Frequent hemoglobin A1c monitoring is essential due to rapid glucose profile variations in these patients.
    • Seasonal variations in hemoglobin A1c suggest environmental influences on metabolic control in diabetic children.

    More Related Videos

    Study of In Vivo Glucose Metabolism in High-fat Diet-fed Mice Using Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) and Insulin Tolerance Test (ITT)08:13

    Study of In Vivo Glucose Metabolism in High-fat Diet-fed Mice Using Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) and Insulin Tolerance Test (ITT)

    Published on: January 7, 2018

    Glycemic Impact on Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms on Physical, Radiographic, and Inflammatory Markers among Individuals Aged 50 and Over with Diabetes07:22

    Glycemic Impact on Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms on Physical, Radiographic, and Inflammatory Markers among Individuals Aged 50 and Over with Diabetes

    Published on: March 7, 2025

    Related Concept Videos

    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...
    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...
    Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy01:15

    Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy

    The therapy for diabetes aims to alleviate hyperglycemia-related symptoms, prevent acute metabolic decompensation, and reduce chronic end-organ complications. Glycemic control is evaluated through short-term (self-monitoring, continuous glucose monitoring) and long-term (A1c, fructosamine) metrics, enabling near real-time tracking of blood glucose levels and reflecting glycemic control over specific time frames.
    Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
    Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects01:16

    Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects

    Insulin-replacement therapy usually includes both long-acting insulin (basal) and short-acting insulin (to cater to postprandial needs). In a diverse group of type 1 diabetes patients, the average daily insulin dose is typically 0.5-0.7 units/kg body weight. However, obese patients and pubertal adolescents may need more due to insulin resistance.
    The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
    Hypoglycemia01:26

    Hypoglycemia

    Hypoglycemia is a blood glucose level below 70 mg/dL. It commonly occurs in individuals using insulin or insulin-secreting drugs, but may also arise in non-diabetic conditions. People with type 1 diabetes are at the highest risk because they depend on exogenous insulin. People with type 2 diabetes are also at risk, especially when treated with insulin or medications such as sulfonylureas, which increase insulin release regardless of blood glucose levels. It develops when insulin levels exceed...
    Hyperglycemia01:29

    Hyperglycemia

    Hyperglycemia is an abnormally high blood glucose level. It is diagnosed by fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL, 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (or OGTT) ≥200 mg/dL, random glucose ≥200 mg/dL with symptoms, or HbA1c ≥6.5%. However, HbA1c results may be unreliable in certain conditions, such as anemia or hemoglobinopathies, and the diagnosis should be confirmed unless classic symptoms are present. Postprandial hyperglycemia is typically considered significant when glucose levels exceed 180 mg/dL two...