Screening of Islet Autoantibodies for Children in the General Population: A Position Statement Endorsed by the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology

BACKGROUND

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is the most frequent chronic autoimmune disease in childhood and adolescence, its incidence is increasing particularly in toddlers and preschool children, and up to 60% of young patients present with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a severe and life-threatening complication. So far, the majority of screening efforts have been performed in the at-risk group, i.e., relatives of people with T1D; anyhow, around 90% of young patients who eventually develop T1D do not have a family history.

SUMMARY

Some studies in Europe and the USA have clearly shown that a public health screening of children (with positive autoantibodies) is effective in reducing the prevalence of DKA by more than 10 times, decreasing the rate of hospitalization and its costs, providing psychological, emotional, and social support to children and their families. In addition, several treatments and trials are available for children with stage 2 and stage 3 T1D. There is still room for improvement of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value in a population screening program; anyhow, there is vivid debate on the opportunity for a screening program in the general population of children at risk for developing T1D.

KEY MESSAGES

This paper, endorsed by the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE), discusses the issues of a screening program in the general population with the hope that uncertainties and difficulties in this field will be overcome by better screening methods, improved cost-effectiveness, reliable treatments for secondary prevention, and relevant delay in clinically evident T1D in children and adolescents.

The effect of a nutritional supplement on growth and body composition in short and lean preadolescent boys following one-year of intervention

INTRODUCTION

Adequate nutrition plays an important role in linear growth throughout childhood, including puberty. However, not all children are willing or able to consume an adequate balanced diet daily. We aimed to evaluate the 1-year effectiveness and safety of nutritional supplementation on linear growth, weight gain, and changes in body composition in short and lean peripubertal boys.

METHODS

A one-year, 2-phase multicenter interventional study comprising 1-6 months of a double-blinded intervention with nutritional formula or placebo, followed by 6-12 months of an open-label extension with the nutritional formula for all participants.

RESULTS

The outcomes of the double-blinded intervention were reported previously. A total of 79/98 (81%) boys, aged ≥10 years, Tanner stages 1-3, completed the open-labeled extension-phase. For this phase, a significant dose-response correlation (P<0.05) was found of the consumption of the formula with Δ height-SDS, Δ weight-SDS, and Δ muscle-mass (crude correlations and after adjustment for baseline age and end-of-study Tanner stage). In the extension phase and in the 12-month analysis, participants who were good formula consumers (intake ≥50% of recommended dose) maintained their height-SDS, while poor consumers had a significant decline in their height-SDS (P=0.028 and P=0.009, between group difference in the extension phase and 12-months analysis, respectively). Between-group differences were not observed in Tanner stage at any point of the study. No serious adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

An intervention in healthy peripubertal boys suggests that one year consumption of a multi-nutrient, protein-rich nutritional supplement is efficacious and safe. The induced changes in growth and body composition, although modest, may be clinically significant. The effect of the formula on growth parameters was not mediated by enhancement of the pubertal tempo.  .

Youth-onset type 2 diabetes in Israel: A national cohort

BACKGROUND

Prevalence of youth-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) has increased worldwide, paralleling the rise in pediatric obesity. Occurrence and clinical manifestations vary regionally and demographically.

OBJECTIVES

We assessed the incidence, and clinical and demographic manifestations of youth-onset T2D in Israel.

METHODS

In a national observational study, demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected from the medical records of children and adolescents, aged 10-18 years, diagnosed with T2D between the years 2008 and 2019.

RESULTS

The incidence of youth-onset T2D in Israel increased significantly from 0.63/100,000 in 2008 to 3.41/100,000 in 2019. The study cohort comprised 379 individuals (228 girls [59.7%], 221 Jews [58.3%], mean age 14.7 ± 1.9 years); 73.1% had a positive family history of T2D. Mean body mass index (BMI) z-score was 1.96 ± 0.7, higher in Jews than Arabs. High systolic (≥ 130 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (≥ 85 mmHg) were observed in 33.7% and 7.8% of patients, respectively; mean glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c) level at diagnosis was 8.8 ± 2.5%. Dyslipidemia, with high triglyceride (>150 mg/dl) and low HDL-c (<40 mg/dl) levels, was found in 45.6% and 56.5%, respectively. Microalbuminuria and retinopathy were documented at diagnosis, 15.2% and 1.9%, respectively) and increased (36.7% and 4.6%, respectively) at follow-up of 2.9 ± 2.1 years. Criteria of metabolic syndrome were met by 224 (62.2%) patients, and fatty liver documented in 65%, mainly Jews. Psychosocial comorbidity was found in 31%. Treatment with metformin (45.6%), insulin (20.6%), and lifestyle modification (18%) improved glycemic control.

CONCLUSION

Youth-onset T2D in Israel has increased significantly and presents a unique profile.

A Comparison of Postprandial Glucose Control in the Medtronic Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop System Versus 670G

Background: We recently reported that use of an "advanced" hybrid closed-loop system reduced hyperglycemia without increasing hypoglycemia compared to a first-generation system. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate whether this improved performance was specifically related to better mealtime glycemic control. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of postprandial glycemic control in an open-label, multinational, randomized crossover trial of 112 participants with type 1 diabetes, aged 14-29, of the Medtronic MiniMed™ 670G hybrid closed-loop system (670G) versus the Medtronic advanced hybrid closed-loop (AHCL) system, for 12 weeks each. We compared glycemic and insulin delivery metrics over a 3 h horizon across all meals to assess system performance and outcomes. Results: Overall meal size and premeal insulin on board were similar during run-in and between 670G and AHCL arms. Compared with 670G arm, premeal, peak, and mean glucose levels were numerically lower in the AHCL arm (167 ± 23, 231 ± 23, and 177 ± 20 mg/dL vs. 175 ± 23, 235 ± 23, and 180 ± 19 mg/dL, respectively), with a trend to lower hyperglycemia level 2 in AHCL arm. Adjusting for premeal glucose level, all postmeal outcomes between 670G and AHCL were statistically similar. Prandial insulin delivery also was similar in both treatment arms (21 ± 9 vs. 23 ± 10 U), with a shift in basal/bolus ratio from 28%/71% in 670G arm to 20%/80% in AHCL arm. Conclusions: Reduced hyperglycemia with AHCL compared to 670G was not related to early postprandial glycemic excursions after adjusting for premeal glucose level (<3 h after meal), but likely to later (>3 h) postprandial or overnight improvements. Further refinements to mealtime bolus algorithms and strategies may more optimally control prandial glycemic excursions.

Comparison of Insulin Dose Adjustments Made by Artificial Intelligence-Based Decision Support Systems and by Physicians in People with Type 1 Diabetes Using Multiple Daily Injections Therapy

Objective: Artificial intelligence-based decision support systems (DSS) need to provide decisions that are not inferior to those given by experts in the field. Recommended insulin dose adjustments on the same individual data set were compared among multinational physicians, and with recommendations made by automated Endo.Digital DSS (ED-DSS). Research Design and Methods: This was a noninterventional study surveying 20 physicians from multinational academic centers. The survey included 17 data cases of individuals with type 1 diabetes who are treated with multiple daily insulin injections. Participating physicians were asked to recommend insulin dose adjustments based on glucose and insulin data. Insulin dose adjustments recommendations were compared among physicians and with the automated ED-DSS. The primary endpoints were the percentage of comparison points for which there was agreement on the trend of insulin dose adjustments. Results: The proportion of agreement and disagreement in the direction of insulin dose adjustment among physicians was statistically noninferior to the proportion of agreement and disagreement observed between ED-DSS and physicians for basal rate, carbohydrate-to insulin ratio, and correction factor (P < 0.001 and P ≤ 0.004 for all three parameters for agreement and disagreement, respectively). The ED-DSS magnitude of insulin dose change was consistently lower than that proposed by the physicians. Conclusions: Recommendations for insulin dose adjustments made by automatization did not differ significantly from recommendations given by expert physicians regarding the direction of change. These results highlight the potential utilization of ED-DSS as a useful clinical tool to manage insulin titration and dose adjustments.

Symptoms and Glycemic Control in Young People With Type 1 Diabetes Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection: An Observational Study

CONTEXT

Data is needed regarding the effect of SARS-CoV-19 infection on young people with established type 1 diabetes. Identifying the disease outcomes, short and long-term sequelae may help to establish an evidence-based prevention and education policy for sick days management and DKA prevention.

OBJECTIVE

This work aims to describe clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children, adolescents, and young adults with established type 1 diabetes (T1D) and explore the effects of COVID-19 on glycemic control and disease course.

METHODS

An observational study was conducted at 3 pediatric diabetes clinics in Israel between mid-March 2020 and mid-March 2021. Included were young people with established T1D, age younger than 30 years, who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction). Data were collected from medical files, diabetes devices, and COVID-19 questionnaire. Outcome measures were analyzed by the presence/absence of clinical symptoms (symptomatic/asymptomatic) and by age group (pediatric, < 19 years/young adults, 19-30 years).

RESULTS

Of 132 patients, mean age 16.9 ± 5.3years, with COVID-19-confirmed infection, 103 (78%) had related symptoms; the most common were headaches, fatigue, fever, and loss of sense of smell. All had a mild disease course, but 4 required hospitalization and 2 cases were directly related to COVID-19 infection (pleuropneumonia in a patient with immunodeficiency syndrome, 1 case of diabetic ketoacidosis). Logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.11; 95% CI, 1.01-1.23; P = .033), elevated glucose levels (OR = 5.23; 95% CI, 1.12-24.41; P = .035), and comorbidities (OR = 8.21; 95% CI, 1.00-67.51; P = .050) were positively associated with symptomatic infection. Persistent symptoms occurred in 16.5% of the cohort over a median of 6.7 months; age (OR = 1.14; 95% CI, 1.01-1.29; P = .030) and elevated glucose levels (OR = 3.42; 95% CI, 1.12-10.40; P = .031) were positively associated with persistent symptoms. Usually, no change was reported in glucose levels (64%) except for a temporary deterioration in glycemic control during the short infection period.

CONCLUSION

Young people with established T1D experience mild COVID-19 infection. Elevated glucose levels during COVID-19 infection and older age were associated with prolonged disease course.

Efficacy and Safety of Weekly Somatrogon vs Daily Somatropin in Children With Growth Hormone Deficiency: A Phase 3 Study

CONTEXT

Somatrogon is a long-acting recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in development for once-weekly treatment of children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD).

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of once-weekly somatrogon with once-daily somatropin in prepubertal children with GHD.

METHODS

In this 12-month, open-label, randomized, active-controlled, parallel-group, phase 3 study, participants were randomized 1:1 to receive once-weekly somatrogon (0.66 mg/kg/week) or once-daily somatropin (0.24 mg/kg/week) for 12 months. A total of 228 prepubertal children (boys aged 3-11 years, girls aged 3-10 years) with GHD, impaired height and height velocity (HV), and no prior rhGH treatment were randomized and 224 received ≥1 dose of study treatment (somatrogon: 109; somatropin: 115). The primary endpoint was annualized HV at month 12.

RESULTS

HV at month 12 was 10.10 cm/year for somatrogon-treated subjects and 9.78 cm/year for somatropin-treated subjects, with a treatment difference (somatrogon-somatropin) of 0.33 (95% CI: -0.24, 0.89). The lower bound of the 2-sided 95% CI was higher than the prespecified noninferiority margin (-1.8 cm/year), demonstrating noninferiority of once-weekly somatrogon vs daily somatropin. HV at month 6 and change in height standard deviation score at months 6 and 12 were similar between both treatment groups. Both treatments were well tolerated, with a similar percentage of subjects experiencing mild to moderate treatment-emergent adverse events in both groups (somatrogon: 78.9%, somatropin: 79.1%).

CONCLUSION

The efficacy of once-weekly somatrogon was noninferior to once-daily somatropin, with similar safety and tolerability profiles. (ClinicalTrials.gov no. NCT02968004).

Diabetes ketoacidosis recovery in youth with newly diagnosed and established type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to describe the differences in metabolic parameters and in time to recovery from diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA), between children and adolescents with newly diagnosed diabetes compared with established type 1 diabetes (T1DM).

METHODS

This was a single-center, retrospective study. The cohort consists of 356 children and adolescents with T1DM who had DKA during 2008-2018. Data were obtained from the patients' medical files. Recovery of DKA was defined as the resolution of acidosis (pH >7.3 and bicarbonate >15 meq/L).

RESULTS

The mean time to recovery from DKA was significantly longer in patients with newly diagnosed diabetes than in those with established diabetes (13± versus 8.5± h) (p < 0.001). This difference was maintained in an analysis according to DKA severity: mild, moderate, and severe. pH at presentation did not differ between the groups, but bicarbonate at presentation was significantly lower in patients with newly diagnosed diabetes than in those with established diabetes, 9.9± versus 12± mmol/L (p < 0.001). Potassium and phosphorus levels were lower, and sodium and chloride levels were higher in patients with newly diagnosed diabetes than in those with established diabetes (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

DKA is associated with a shorter recovery time in patients with established diabetes compared to newly diagnosed diabetes. This may have implications on the treatment of people with established diabetes.

IMPACT

DKA is associated with a shorter recovery time in patients with established diabetes compared with newly diagnosed diabetes. Shorter recovery time in a patient with established diabetes compared with newly diagnosed diabetes was observed in any DKA severity. The time to recovery from DKA did not differ significantly between patients treated with an insulin pump and those treated with multiple daily injections. Triggers for DKA among patients with established diabetes were poor compliance with treatment, infection, pump dysfunction, and dehydration.

Adjustment of Insulin Pump Settings in Type 1 Diabetes Management: Advisor Pro Device Compared to Physicians' Recommendations

AIMS

To compare insulin dose adjustments made by physicians to those made by an artificial intelligence-based decision support system, the Advisor Pro, in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using an insulin pump and self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG).

METHODS

This was a multinational, non-interventional study surveying 17 physicians from 11 countries. Each physician was asked to provide insulin dose adjustments for the settings of the pump including basal rate, carbohydrate-to-insulin ratios (CRs), and correction factors (CFs) for 15 data sets of pumps and SMBG of people with T1D (mean age 18.4 ± 4.8 years; eight females; mean glycated hemoglobin 8.2% ± 1.4% [66 ± 11mmol/mol]). The recommendations were compared among the physicians and between the physicians and the Advisor Pro. The study endpoint was the percentage of comparison points for which there was an agreement on the direction of insulin dose adjustments.

RESULTS

The percentage (mean ± SD) of agreement among the physicians on the direction of insulin pump dose adjustments was 51.8% ± 9.2%, 54.2% ± 6.4%, and 49.8% ± 11.6% for the basal, CR, and CF, respectively. The automated recommendations of the Advisor Pro on the direction of insulin dose adjustments were comparable )49.5% ± 6.4%, 55.3% ± 8.7%, and 47.6% ± 14.4% for the basal rate, CR, and CF, respectively( and noninferior to those provided by physicians. The mean absolute difference in magnitude of change between physicians was 17.1% ± 13.1%, 14.6% ± 8.4%, and 23.9% ± 18.6% for the basal, CR, and CF, respectively, and comparable to the Advisor Pro 11.7% ± 9.7%, 10.1% ± 4.5%, and 25.5% ± 19.5%, respectively, significant for basal and CR.

CONCLUSIONS

Considerable differences in the recommendations for changes in insulin dosing were observed among physicians. Since automated recommendations by the Advisor Pro were similar to those given by physicians, it could be considered a useful tool to manage T1D.

Changes in body mass index in children and adolescents in Israel during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background

The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has health, social, and economic implications. Our primary objective was to evaluate changes in body mass index (BMI) from the pre-pandemic to COVID-19 pandemic period among a large pediatric population in Israel.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study is based on data from Clalit Health Services, the largest health maintenance organization in Israel. The data accessed included sociodemographic, anthropometric, and clinical parameters of persons aged 2–20 years with at least one BMI measurement during 2017–2019 (pre-pandemic period) and one between April 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 (pandemic period).

Results

The cohort comprised 36,837 individuals (50.8% females); median age 11.2 years, 83.6% were Jewish and 10.3% of Arab ethnicity. BMI-SDS increased in both sexes (p < 0.001), in both ethnicities (p < 0.001), in all socioeconomic position clusters (p < 0.001), in children aged 2–18 years (P < 0.001), and in children with underweight or normal-weight in the pre-pandemic period (p < 0.001). For 21,610 individuals (35.6%), BMI-SDS increased ≥0.25 SD. The increase in BMI-SDS was greater in children aged 2–6 compared to 6.1–18 years; BMI-SDS decreased among those aged 18.1–20 years (P < 0.001). The increase in BMI-SDS was greater among those with underweight than normal weight; BMI-SDS decreased among those with overweight and obesity (P < 0.001). During the pandemic, overweight or obesity presented in 11.2% of those with normal weight in the pre-pandemic period; and obesity presented in 21.4% of those with overweight in the pre-pandemic period.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic correlated with overall weight gain among children and adolescents, with the most substantial weight gain in children aged 2–6 years. Notably, the most significant increase in BMI-SDS was observed in children with underweight; BMI-SDS decreased in children with overweight and obesity. Policies should be established during the pandemic that focus on increasing physical activity, reducing sedentary time, and promoting healthy diets.

Clinical characteristics, growth patterns, and long-term diabetes complications of 24 patients with neonatal diabetes mellitus: A single center experience

OBJECTIVES

Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is a rare form of monogenic diabetes, diagnosed before age 6 months. We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics, molecular genetics, and long-term follow-up of NDM patients from a single pediatric endocrine center in Israel.

METHODS

Retrospective study (1975-2020) of all patients diagnosed with diabetes before 6 months of age, who tested negative for pancreatic autoantibodies. Medical records were reviewed for demographic, familial and medical history, and clinical and biochemical features; a genetic analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Of 24 patients, nine had transient neonatal diabetes (TNDM) and 15 permanent neonatal diabetes (PNDM), of whom five had rare syndromic causes. Genetic etiology was revealed in 87.5% of the NDM cohort, and the most common causes were ABCC8 mutations in TNDM and KCNJ11 and insulin gene mutations in PNDM. The switch from insulin to off-label sulfonylurea therapy was successful for 5/9 (56%) of the qualifying candidates. Severe hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis developed in 2 (8%) patients, and chronic diabetes complications in 5 (21%) patients with more than 10 years NDM. At last follow-up, weight and height of all but two syndromic PNDM patients were normal. The median height-SDS of the TNDM subgroup was significantly taller and the mean weight-SDS significantly heavier than those of the PNDM subgroup (-0.52 (-0.67, -0.09) vs. -0.9 (-1.42, -0.3) (p = 0.035) and 0.22 ± 0.69 vs. -0.89 ± 1.21 (p = 0.02), respectively). PNDM patients showed no incremental change in mean weight SDS over the time.

CONCLUSION

The Israeli NDM cohort has clinical and genetic characteristics comparable with other populations. Patients with TNDM were taller and heavier than those diagnosed with PNDM, although both show rapid catch-up growth and reached normal growth parameters. Chronic diabetes complications developed in patients with long-standing NDM.

Alarming increase in ketoacidosis in children and adolescents with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the incidence and severity of ketoacidosis (DKA) at type 1 diabetes diagnosis during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Israel.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A population-based study the product of a national collaboration of Israeli pediatric diabetes centers investigated the presentation of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes. The frequencies of DKA and severe DKA observed during the COVID-19 period from March 15, 2020 (commencement of the first nationwide lockdown) until June 30, 2020 were compared with the same periods in 2019, 2018, and 2017 using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, and socioeconomic position.

RESULTS

During the COVID-19 period, DKA incidence was 58.2%, significantly higher than in 2019 (adjusted OR [aOR] 2.18 [95% CI, 1.31-3.60], P = 0.003); 2018 (aOR 2.05 [95% CI, 1.26-3.34], P = 0.004); and 2017 (aOR, 1.79 [95% CI, 1.09-2.93], P = 0.022). The incidence of severe DKA was 19.9%, significantly higher than in 2018 (aOR, 2.49 [95% CI, 1.20-5.19], P = 0.015) and 2017 (aOR, 2.73 [95% CI, 1.28-5.82], P = 0.009). In 2020, admissions and duration of stay in the intensive care unit were higher than in previous years (P = 0.001). During the COVID-19 pandemic, children aged 6-11 years had higher incidences of DKA (61.3% vs. 34.0%, 40.6%, and 45.1%, respectively, P = 0.012), and severe DKA (29.3% vs. 15.1%, 10.9%, and 5.9%, respectively, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The dramatic increase in DKA at presentation of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic mandates targeted measures to raise public and physician awareness.

Effect of a nutritional supplementation on growth and body composition in short and lean preadolescent boys: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

AIM

To evaluate the effect of nutritional supplementation on height, weight and body composition in short and lean male preadolescents.

METHODS

A randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of nutritional supplementation of short and lean prepubertal 10-14.5-year-old boys. Primary outcomes included Δheight-SDS and Δweight-SDS. Secondary outcomes included changes in body composition and BMI-SDS.

RESULTS

Of 160 boys enrolled, 126 (80%) completed 6 months' intervention. Baseline age, height-SDS, weight-SDS, BMI-SDS, body composition and dietary intake were similar in the formula and placebo groups. 'Good' formula consumers (intake of ≥50% of the recommended dose, n = 30) gained significantly more in weight-SDS, BMI-SDS, fat-free-mass and muscle mass (p < 0.05) than did 'poor' consumers (n = 35) and the placebo group (n = 61). Only in the formula group, positive dose-response correlations were found between consumption of the formula and changes in the outcome parameters examined, including Δheight-SDS (r = 0.301, p = 0.015). Boys aged >11.4 years who were 'good' formula consumers maintained their Δheight-SDS, while Δheight-SDS declined in 'poor' consumers and the placebo group of the same age (p = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

Intervention with a multi-nutrient, protein-rich formula was effective in increasing weight-SDS, fat-free-mass, muscle mass and BMI-SDS in short and lean prepubertal male adolescents. Good consumption of the formula prevented Δheight-SDS decline in the older participants.

Glycaemic management in diabetes: old and new approaches

HbA_1c is the most used parameter to assess glycaemic control. However, evidence suggests that the concept of hyperglycaemia has profoundly changed and that different facets of hyperglycaemia must be considered. A modern approach to glycaemic control should focus not only on reaching and maintaining optimal HbA_1c concentrations as early as possible, but to also do so by reducing postprandial hyperglycaemia, glycaemic variability, and to extend as much as possible the time in range in near-normoglycaemia. These goals should be achieved while avoiding hypoglycaemia, which, should it occur, should be reverted to normoglycaemia. Modern technology, such as intermittently scanned glucose monitoring and continuous glucose monitoring, together with new drug therapies (eg, ultra-fast insulins, SGLT2 inhibitors, and GLP-1 receptor agonists), could help to change the landscape of glycaemia management based on HbA_1c in favour of a more holistic approach that considers all the different aspects of this commonly oversimplified pathophysiological feature of diabetes.

Different Effects of Soy and Whey on Linear Bone Growth and Growth Pattern in Young Male Sprague-Dawley Rats

The aim of this investigation was to determine the better protein for supporting optimal linear growth, as the exact composition and benefits of specific dietary proteins in supporting linear growth is unknown. In the current study, we compared the effect of soy and whey proteins, both proteins contain all essential amino acids and are considered the best proteins in their categories. Young male rats were subjected to multiple feeding protocols using iso-energetic diets containing soy or whey as the sole protein source. The rats were allowed to eat ad libitum for 11, 24, or 74 days in the first set of experiments, and the soy group was pair-fed to the whey group in the second set. The differences in weight gain, food consumption, and humeri length of the soy group that were greater at the beginning of the ad libitum experiments lessened over time. Pair-fed experiments revealed that the increased weight and humeri length resulted from the differences in food consumption. However, other parameters were protein specific. Bone quality, which was better in the soy group at 24 days, was matched by the whey group and even surpassed that of the soy group in the long-term experiment, with a significantly greater bone mineral density, cortical thickness, and growth plate. Although in the short term the levels of insulin like growth factor (IGF)-I were similar between the groups, IGF-I increased with age in the whey group, and the levels at the long-term experiment were significantly higher compared to the soy group. Furthermore, using the pair fed setup made it clear that when the difference in food consumption were no longer playing part, whey was more efficient in increasing IGF-I. There were no indications of metabolic sequelae. Although the use of soy is gaining in popularity as a sustainable protein, our findings indicate a better effect of whey on linear growth by leading to slower growth with better-organized epiphyseal growth plates and bone quality.

Lived Experience of Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop Versus Hybrid Closed-Loop: Patient-Reported Outcomes and Perspectives

This article reports on the lived experience of Medtronic advanced hybrid closed-loop (AHCL) in comparison to first generation hybrid closed-loop (HCL) in a randomized, open-label, two-period crossover trial. Patient-reported outcome (PROs) measures were administered before randomization and at the end of each study period in 113 adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes. Glucose monitoring satisfaction subscales for emotional burden and behavioral burden improved significantly (P < 0.01) over time with use of AHCL versus HCL and co-occurred with glycemic improvements (reduced percent time above 180 mg/dL during the day and no change in % time less than 54 mg/dL across 24 h) and greater time in Auto Mode. PROs, including distress, technology attitudes, and hypoglycemia confidence, were not different. AHCL use was associated with improved glucose monitoring satisfaction. Satisfaction was greater in those participants who had more appreciable glycemic benefit and stayed in Auto Mode more often. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT03040414.

Good glycemic control at puberty in boys with type 1 diabetes is important for final height

BACKGROUND

Poor glycemic control in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) may hinder sexual development and the associated growth spurt. This study aims to identify factors that may affect the timing of puberty, total pubertal growth (TPG), and final height (F-Ht) in boys with T1D.

METHODS

This was a retrospective longitudinal study of 68 boys diagnosed with T1D during 1996 to 2009, who were prepubertal at diagnosis and had completed puberty at the time of data collection. Data were accessed regarding anthropometric measurements, Tanner stage, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels from diagnosis to F-Ht. F-Ht was compared to parental height and Israeli National Health Survey data.

RESULTS

The mean F-Ht standard deviation score (F-Ht-SDS) was lower than the mean Ht-SDS at diagnosis (P < .006) but similar to the mean target height SDS (P = .3) and to values from the national survey (P = .12). Mean HbA1c levels in the year preceding pubertal onset were associated with the age at onset of puberty (R = 0.33, P = .009) and inversely with TPG (R = -0.3, P = .03). Mean HbA1c levels during puberty were inversely associated with TPG (R = -0.26, P = .035) and F-Ht (R = -0.28, P = .02). Boys who presented with diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis were shorter than those who did not throughout the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

We found associations of age of pubertal onset, pubertal growth spurt, and F-Ht with target height and glycemic control before and during puberty. Targeted interventions to achieve optimal metabolic control during these time periods are needed for normal, timely puberty and for achieving optimal adult height within the genetic target height.

Anxiety and Cognition in Cre- Collagen Type II Sirt1 K/O Male Mice

Introduction

Using transgenic collagen type II-specific Sirt1 knockout (CKO) mice we studied the role of Sirt1 in nutritional induced catch up growth (CUG) and we found that these mice have a less organized growth plate and reduced efficiency of CUG. In addition, we noted that they weigh more than control (CTL) mice. Studying the reason for the increased weigh, we found differences in activity and brain function.

Methods

Several tests for behavior and activity were used: open field; elevated plus maze, Morris water maze, and home cage running wheels. The level of Glu- osteocalcin, known to connect bone and brain function, was measured by Elisa; brain Sirt1 was analyzed by western blot.

Results

We found that CKO mice had increased anxiety, with less spatial memory, learning capabilities and reduced activity in their home cages. No significant differences were found between CKO and CTL mice in Glu- osteocalcin levels; nor in the level of brain SIRT1.

Discussion/Conclusion

Using transgenic collagen type II-specific Sirt1 knockout (CKO) mice we found a close connection between linear growth and brain function. Using a collagen type II derived system we affected a central regulatory mechanism leading to hypo activity, increased anxiety, and slower learning, without affecting circadian period. As children with idiopathic short stature are more likely to have lower IQ, with substantial deficits in working memory than healthy controls, the results of the current study suggest that SIRT1 may be the underlying factor connecting growth and brain function.