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Growth and subcutaneous fat during the first five years of insulin-dependent diabetes in children
T Tuvemo1, M Kobbah, L A Proos
1Department of Paediatrics, Uppsala University Children's Hospital, Sweden.
Insights
Adolescent girls with diabetes showed increased subcutaneous fat accumulation, particularly in the triceps and subscapular areas, compared to healthy peers. This distinct pattern occurred despite normal body mass index (BMI) and was linked to insulin dosage.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Childhood diabetes management requires monitoring growth and body composition.
- Understanding adolescent body fat changes in diabetes is crucial for long-term health.
- Previous studies have not fully detailed adolescent fat accumulation patterns in diabetic girls.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively observe height, weight, and subcutaneous fat changes in children with diabetes over 5 years.
- To compare body composition and fat distribution in diabetic girls versus a healthy control group.
- To investigate the relationship between diabetes control, treatment, and fat accumulation during adolescence.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study of 34 children with diabetes for 5 years.
- Regular measurements of height, weight, and skinfold thickness (triceps, subscapular).
- Comparison with a matched healthy control group; correlation analysis with insulin dosage and glycemic control.
Main Results:
- Diabetic children showed no significant differences in height, weight, or BMI compared to controls.
- Diabetic girls exhibited significantly increased triceps and subscapular fat, especially during late adolescence.
- Higher BMI and triceps skinfold in diabetic girls after 5 years correlated negatively with insulin dose per kilogram body weight.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent girls with diabetes accumulate subcutaneous fat differently than healthy girls, with distinct regional increases.
- This altered fat accumulation pattern may be influenced by diabetes management and insulin therapy.
- Further research is needed to understand the clinical implications of these body composition changes in young women with diabetes.
Abstract:
Thirty-four children were observed prospectively during a period of 5 years from the onset of diabetes regarding height, weight and subcutaneous fat in relation to treatment and diabetes control. Height, weight and body mass index (BMI) did not differ from those in a control group. The girls with diabetes increased their triceps and subscapular fat significantly despite a normal BMI. This increase in relation to control girls was most pronounced during late adolescence. Triceps skinfold and BMI after 5 years were both negatively correlated to insulin dose per kilogram body weight in the diabetic girls. We conclude that girls with diabetes accumulate subcutaneous fat in certain areas rapidly during adolescence in a completely different way from healthy girls.