Beta cell function and BMI in ethnically diverse children with newly diagnosed autoimmune type 1 diabetes

Gut microbial changes associated with obesity in youth with type 1 diabetes

Obesity is increasingly prevalent in type 1 diabetes (T1D) and is associated with management problems and higher risk for diabetes complications. Gut microbiome changes have been described separately in each of T1D and obesity, however, it is unknown to what extent gut microbiome changes are seen when obesity and T1D concomitantly occur.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the gut microbiome and microbial metabolite changes associated with obesity in T1D. We hypothesized significant gut microbial and metabolite differences between T1D youth who are lean (BMI: 5-<85%) vs. those with obesity (BMI: ≥95%).

METHODS

We analyzed stool samples for gut microbial (using metagenomic shotgun sequencing) and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolite differences in lean (n=27) and obese (n=21) T1D youth. The mean±SD age was 15.3±2.2yrs, A1c 7.8±1.3%, diabetes duration 5.1±4.4yrs, 42.0% females, and 94.0% were White. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) was used to identify taxa that best discriminated between the BMI groups.

RESULTS

Bacterial community composition showed differences in species type (β-diversity) by BMI group (p=0.013). At the genus level, there was a higher ratio of Prevotella to Bacteroides in the obese group (p=0.0058). LEfSe analysis showed a differential distribution of significantly abundant taxa in either the lean or obese groups, including increased relative abundance of Prevotella copri , among other taxa in the obese group. Functional profiling showed that pathways associated with decreased insulin sensitivity were upregulated in the obese group. Stool SCFAs (acetate, propionate and butyrate) were higher in the obese compared to the lean group (p<0.05 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings identify gut microbiome, microbial metabolite and functional pathways differences associated with obesity in T1D. These findings could be helpful in identifying gut microbiome targeted therapies to manage obesity in T1D.

Clinical prediction models combining routine clinical measures identify participants with youth-onset diabetes who maintain insulin secretion in the range associated with type 2 diabetes: The SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study

Objective

With the high prevalence of pediatric obesity and overlapping features between diabetes subtypes, accurately classifying youth-onset diabetes can be challenging. We aimed to develop prediction models that, using characteristics available at diabetes diagnosis, can identify youth who will retain endogenous insulin secretion at levels consistent with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

We studied 2,966 youth with diabetes in the prospective SEARCH study (diagnosis age ≤19 years) to develop prediction models to identify participants with fasting c-peptide ≥250 pmol/L (≥0.75ng/ml) after >3 years (median 74 months) of diabetes duration. Models included clinical measures at baseline visit, at a mean diabetes duration of 11 months (age, BMI, sex, waist circumference, HDL-C), with and without islet autoantibodies (GADA, IA-2A) and a Type 1 Diabetes Genetic Risk Score (T1DGRS).

Results

Models using routine clinical measures with or without autoantibodies and T1DGRS were highly accurate in identifying participants with c-peptide ≥0.75 ng/ml (17% of participants; 2.3% and 53% of those with and without positive autoantibodies) (area under receiver operator curve [AUCROC] 0.95-0.98). In internal validation, optimism was very low, with excellent calibration (slope=0.995-0.999). Models retained high performance for predicting retained c-peptide in older youth with obesity (AUCROC 0.88-0.96), and in subgroups defined by self-reported race/ethnicity (AUCROC 0.88-0.97), autoantibody status (AUCROC 0.87-0.96), and clinically diagnosed diabetes types (AUCROC 0.81-0.92).

Conclusion

Prediction models combining routine clinical measures at diabetes diagnosis, with or without islet autoantibodies or T1DGRS, can accurately identify youth with diabetes who maintain endogenous insulin secretion in the range associated with type 2 diabetes.

Data Mining Framework for Discovering and Clustering Phenotypes of Atypical Diabetes

CONTEXT

Some individuals present with forms of diabetes that are "atypical" (AD), which do not conform to typical features of either type 1 diabetes (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D). These forms of AD display a range of phenotypic characteristics that likely reflect different endotypes based on unique etiologies or pathogenic processes.

OBJECTIVE

To develop an analytical approach to identify and cluster phenotypes of AD.

METHODS

We developed Discover Atypical Diabetes (DiscoverAD), a data mining framework, to identify and cluster phenotypes of AD. DiscoverAD was trained against characteristics of manually classified patients with AD among 278 adults with diabetes within the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort (CCHC) (Study A). We then tested DiscoverAD in a separate population of 758 multiethnic children with T1D within the Texas Children's Hospital Registry for New-Onset Type 1 Diabetes (TCHRNO-1) (Study B).

RESULTS

We identified an AD frequency of 11.5% in the CCHC (Study A) and 5.3% in the pediatric TCHRNO-1 (Study B). Cluster analysis identified 4 distinct groups of AD in Study A: cluster 1, positive for the 65 kDa glutamate decarboxylase autoantibody (GAD65Ab), adult-onset, long disease duration, preserved beta-cell function, no insulin treatment; cluster 2, GAD65Ab negative, diagnosed at age ≤21 years; cluster 3, GAD65Ab negative, adult-onset, poor beta-cell function, lacking central obesity; cluster 4, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)-prone participants lacking a typical T1D phenotype. Applying DiscoverAD to the pediatric patients with T1D in Study B revealed 2 distinct groups of AD: cluster 1, autoantibody negative, poor beta-cell function, lower body mass index (BMI); cluster 2, autoantibody positive, higher BMI, higher incidence of DKA.

CONCLUSION

DiscoverAD can be adapted to different datasets to identify and define phenotypes of participants with AD based on available clinical variables.

Diabetes of Unclear Type in an Adolescent Boy With Multiple Islet-cell Autoantibody Positivity Successfully Managed With Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Alone: A Case Report

Diabetes classification has traditionally considered type 1 and type 2 diabetes as 2 separate entities with different pathogenic mechanisms. However, clinicians and researchers see increasingly more exceptions to this conventional paradigm, leading to a concept of mixed phenotypes in diabetes classification. Herein we report the case of an adolescent with unclear diabetes type due to the presence of obesity, robust endogenous insulin production, multiple islet autoantibody positivity and severe hyperglycemia at diabetes diagnosis that has been successfully treated with liraglutide therapy alone. Our case report highlights the difficulty of diabetes classification and subsequent need for personalized medicine with regard to diabetes management.

Excessive BMI is associated with higher C-peptide level at recognition but also with its greater loss in two years clinical observation in children with new onset type 1 diabetes

Introduction

The prevalence of obesity in general pediatric population increases without sparing children with T1D. We intended to find factors associated with the possibility of preserving endogenous insulin secretion in individuals with long-standing T1D. At onset, higher BMI is associated with higher C-peptide level, which may indicate to be one of the favorable factors involved in preserving residual β-cell function. The study determines the influence of BMI on C-peptide secretion in children newly diagnosed with T1D in two years observation.

Methods

We assessed the possible relationship between selected pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, body mass at recognition and β-cell function status. 153 pediatric patients with newly diagnosed T1D were divided into quartiles according to BMI-SDS index. We separated a group consisted of patients with BMI-SDS >1. Participants were followed up for two years and examined for changes in body weight, HbA1c, and insulin requirement. C-peptide was assessed at baseline and after two years. We evaluated the patients' levels of selected inflammatory cytokines at baseline.

Results

Subjects with higher BMI-SDS presented higher serum C-peptide levels and lower insulin requirements at diagnosis than children with lower body weight. The two-year follow-up showed that C-peptide levels of obese patients dropped more rapidly than in children with BMI-SDS within normal limits. The group with BMI-SDS >1 showed the greatest decrease in C-peptide level. Despite statistically insignificant differences in HbA1c at diagnosis between the study groups, in the fourth quartile and BMI-SDS >1 groups, HbA1c as well as insulin requirements increased after two years. The levels of cytokines varied the most between BMI-SDS <1 and BMI-SDS >1 groups and were significantly higher within BMI-SDS >1 group.

Discussion

Higher BMI, associated with enhanced levels of inflammatory cytokines, relates to preservation of C-peptide at T1D recognition in children but is not beneficial in the long term. A decrease in C-peptide levels combined with an increase in insulin requirements and in HbA1c among patients with high BMI occur, which may indicate a negative effect of excessive body weight on the long term preservation of residual β-cell function. The process seems to be mediated by inflammatory cytokines.

Highlighting the Role of Obesity and Insulin Resistance in Type 1 Diabetes and Its Associated Cardiometabolic Complications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This narrative review appraises research data on the potentially harmful effect of obesity and insulin resistance (IR) co-existence with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM)-related cardiovascular (CVD) complications and evaluates possible therapeutic options.

RECENT FINDINGS

Obesity and IR have increasingly been emerging in patients with T1DM. Genetic, epigenetic factors, and subcutaneous insulin administration are implicated in the pathogenesis of this coexistence. Accumulating evidence implies that the concomitant presence of obesity and IR is an independent predictor of worse CVD outcomes. The prevalence of obesity and IR has increased in patients with T1DM. This increase can be partly attributed to general population trends but, additionally, to iatrogenic weight gain caused by insulin treatment. This association might be the missing link explaining the excess CVD burden observed in patients with T1DM despite optimal glycemic control. Data on newer agents for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treatment are unraveling novel ways to challenge this aggravating coexistence.

Glucose-independent racial disparity in HbA1c is evident at onset of type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Higher levels of HbA1c, independent of blood glucose levels, have been described in Blacks compared to Whites patients with established diabetes. The goal of this study was to determine if glucose-independent racial disparity in HbA1C is evident at diabetes onset.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective single-center chart review of 189 youth with new onset Type 1 diabetes (T1D) 60 % Whites and 40 % Blacks. HbA1c, glucose and other biochemistry measures were obtained at presentation in the Emergency Department before initiation of any therapy. HbA1c levels were adjusted for presenting glucose, self-identified race, age, gender, hematocrit, and RDW-CV.

RESULTS

Blacks with T1D had statistically significant higher unadjusted HbA1c (11.9 ± 1.9 vs 11.04 ± 2.0 %, p = 0.004), initial glucose (530.6 ± 230.4 vs 442 ± 211.3 mg/dL, p = 0.0075) and lower pHs (7.28 ± 0.15 vs 7.33 ± 0.12, p = 0.02) compared to white patients. Least squares means of HbA1c remained higher in Black patients even after statistical adjustment for presenting glucose, age, gender, RDW-CV, and pH. In a multiple variable model (R² = 0.38, p < 0.0001) c-peptide was influenced by HCO₃ (p = 0.0035), gender (p = 0.0092), BMI (p < 0.0001), but not race or glucose.

CONCLUSIONS

HbA1c at initial presentation of T1D is higher in young Black patients compared to Whites even after adjustment for glucose, age, gender, and RDW-CV. This racial disparity is consistent with other studies in individuals without diabetes and patients with long-standing diabetes under treatment.

Does the Gut Microbiome Play a Role in Obesity in Type 1 Diabetes? Unanswered Questions and Review of the Literature

Evidence suggests that type 1 diabetes (T1D) risk and progression are associated with gut bacterial imbalances. Children with either T1D or islet antibody positivity exhibit gut dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) characterized by lower gram-positive to gram-negative gut bacterial ratios compared to healthy individuals, leading to a pro-inflammatory milieu. In addition, specific gut microbiome changes, including increased virulence factors, elevated phage, prophage, and motility genes, and higher amplitude stress responses, have been identified in individuals who have or are progressing towards T1D. Additionally, gut microbiome differences are associated with and thought to contribute to obesity, a comorbidity that is increasingly prevalent among persons with T1D. Obesity in T1D is problematic because individuals with obesity progress faster to T1D, have reduced insulin sensitivity compared to their lean counterparts, and have higher risk of complications. Animal and human studies suggest higher relative abundance of bacterial taxa associated with changes in bile acid and short chain fatty acid biosynthesis in obesity. However, it is unknown to what extent the gut microbiome plays a role in obesity in T1D and these worse outcomes. In this review, we aim to evaluate potential gut microbiome changes and associations in individuals with T1D who are obese, highlighting the specific gut microbiome changes associated with obesity and with T1D development. We will identify commonalities and differences in microbiome changes and examine potential microbiota-host interactions and the metabolic pathways involved. Finally, we will explore interventions that may be of benefit to this population, in order to modify disease and improve outcomes.

Epidemiological trends in the presentation of diabetic ketoacidosis in children newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes from 2011 to 2017 in Kuwait

BACKGROUND

Monitoring the trends in the presentation of T1D over decades cannot be underestimated as it provides a rich source of information on diabetes-related complications like DKA. DKA represents a medical emergency, with potentially fatal outcome, and thus the prevention of DKA is a priority in diabetes care. The aim of this study is to report on trends in the presentation of DKA in children newly diagnosed with T1D in Kuwait.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study is based on a retrospective review of children newly diagnosed with T1D aged 14 years or less at three Governmental Hospitals representing three health sectors out of the total six health sectors in the country during the period 2011-2017.

RESULTS

A total of 799 children (376 males and 423 females) were newly diagnosed with T1D. 287 children presented with DKA (35.9%) with only 73 children (9.1%) classified as severe. During the years 2011 to 2017, we note that the percentage of children older than 6 years of age presenting with severe DKA has decreased significantly (p=0.022). Unfortunately, this has not been replicated in children younger than 6 years.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the importance of continued monitoring of clinical characteristics of children at diagnosis of T1D specifically presenting with DKA to enable diabetes care professionals to appreciate the multifaceted aspects of T1D, in particular the importance of raising awareness of the early signs of the onset of T1D with special attention to DKA and its severe consequences.

Islet autoantibody types mark differential clinical characteristics at diagnosis of pediatric type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND

We aimed to study whether islet autoantibody type marks differential characteristics at the time of type 1 diabetes (T1D) diagnosis.

METHODS

We studied 711 children with newly diagnosed autoimmune T1D. We compared demographic (sex, age, race/ethnicity), clinical (pubertal development, BMI percentile, diabetic ketoacidosis [DKA]) and laboratory (glucose, hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c], C-peptide, tissue transglutaminase antibodies [tTGA], thyroglobulin antibodies, and thyroid peroxidase antibodies [TPOA]) characteristics by presence/absence of autoantibodies to insulin (IAA), GAD65 (GADA), or IA-2/ICA512 (IA-2A). Islet autoantibody titers were evaluated among the children positive for the relevant autoantibody type. We used multivariable analysis to adjust for potential confounders.

RESULTS

IAA+ was statistically associated with younger age (p < 0.0001) and lower HbA1c (p = 0.049) while Tanner stage, GADA status and number of positive islet autoantibodies were not significant in the multivariable model. GADA+ was associated with female sex (OR = 4.0, p = 0.002) and negatively with elevated tTGA titers (>50 U/mL) (OR = 0.21, p = 0.026) but not with age, IAA status, IA-2A status, islet autoantibody number, or thyroid autoimmunity. None of the associations with IA-2A positivity was statistically significant in the multivariable analysis. In multivariable models, IAA titer was significantly associated with younger age (p = 0.006), DKA (p = 0.017) and higher tTGA levels (p = 0.002); GADA titer with female sex (p = 0.028), racial minority (p = 0.046) and TPOA positivity (p = 0.021); and IA-2A titer with older age (p = 0.001) and not being African American (p = 0.024).

CONCLUSIONS

Islet autoantibody type is associated with differential characteristics at diagnosis of pediatric T1D. Longitudinal and mechanistic studies are needed to evaluate T1D endotypes by autoantibody type.

Association of β-cell function and insulin resistance with pediatric type 2 diabetes among Chinese children

BACKGROUND

In addition to insulin resistance, impaired insulin secretion has recently been identified as a crucial factor in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Scarce clinical data exist for pediatric T2DM.

AIM

To investigate the association of β-cell function and insulin resistance with pediatric T2DM in the first Chinese multicenter study.

METHODS

This multicenter cross-sectional study included 161 newly diagnosed T2DM children and adolescents between January 2017 and October 2019. Children with normal glycemic levels (n = 1935) were included as healthy control subjects. The homeostasis models (HOMAs) were used to assess the β-cell function (HOMA2-%B) and insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) levels. The HOMA index was standardized by sex and age. We performed logistic regression analysis to obtain odds ratios (ORs) for T2DM risk using the standardized HOMA index, adjusted for confounding factors including sex, Tanner stage, T2DM family history, body mass index z-score, and lipid profile.

RESULTS

The male-female ratio of newly diagnosed T2DM patients was 1.37:1 (OR = 2.20, P = 0.011), and the mean ages of onset for boys and girls were 12.5 ± 1.9 years and 12.3 ± 1.7 years, respectively. The prevalence of related comorbidities including obesity, elevated blood pressure, and dyslipidemia was 58.2%, 53.2%, and 80.0%, respectively. The T2DM group had lower HOMA2-%B levels (P < 0.001) and higher HOMA2-IR levels (P < 0.001) than the control group. Both the decrease in HOMA2-%B z-score (OR = 8.40, 95%CI: 6.40–11.02, P < 0.001) and the increase in HOMA2-IR z-score (OR = 1.79, 95%CI: 1.60–2.02, P < 0.001) were associated with a higher risk of T2DM, and the decrease in HOMA2-%B z-score always had higher ORs than the increase in HOMA2-IR z-score after adjusting for confounding factors.

CONCLUSION

Besides insulin resistance, β-cell function impairment is also strongly associated with Chinese pediatric T2DM. Gender difference in susceptibility and high comorbidities warrant specific T2DM screening and prevention strategies in Chinese children.

A clinical diagnostic model based on an eXtreme Gradient Boosting algorithm to distinguish type 1 diabetes

Background

Accurate classification of type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in the early phase is crucial for individual precision treatment. This study aimed to develop a classification model having fewer and easier to access clinical variables to distinguish T1DM in newly diagnosed diabetes in adults.

Methods

Clinical and laboratory data were collected from 15,206 adults with newly diagnosed diabetes in this cross-sectional study. This cohort represented 20 provinces and 4 municipalities in China. Types of diabetes were determined based on postprandial C-peptide (PCP) level and glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibody (GADA) titer. We developed multivariable clinical diagnostic models using the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm. Classification variables included in the final model were based on their scores of importance. Model performance was evaluated by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC AUC), sensitivity, and specificity. The performance of models with different variable combinations was compared. Calibration intercept and slope were evaluated for the final model.

Results

Among the newly diagnosed diabetes cohort, 1,465 (9.63%) persons had T1DM and 13,741 (90.37%) had T2DM. Body mass index (BMI) contributed the most to the model, followed by age of onset and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Compared with models with other clinical variable combinations, a final model that integrated age of onset, BMI and HbA1c had relatively higher performance. The ROC AUC, sensitivity, and specificity for this model were 0.83 (95% CI, 0.80 to 0.85), 0.77, and 0.76, respectively. The calibration intercept and slope were 0.02 (95% CI, –0.03 to 0.06) and 0.90 (95% CI, 0.79 to 1.02), respectively, which suggested a good calibration performance.

Conclusions

Our classification model that integrated age of onset, BMI, and HbA1c could distinguish T1DM from T2DM, which provides a useful tool in assisting physicians in subtyping and precising treatment in diabetes.

Challenges in the diagnosis of diabetes type in pediatrics

The incidence of diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, is increasing. Health outcomes in pediatric diabetes are currently poor, with trends indicating that they are worsening. Minority racial/ethnic groups are disproportionately affected by suboptimal glucose control and have a higher risk of acute and chronic complications of diabetes. Correct clinical management starts with timely and accurate classification of diabetes, but in children this is becoming increasingly challenging due to high prevalence of obesity and shifting demographic composition. The growing obesity epidemic complicates classification by obesity's effects on diabetes. Since the prevalence and clinical characteristics of diabetes vary among racial/ethnic groups, migration between countries leads to changes in the distribution of diabetes types in a certain geographical area, challenging the clinician's ability to classify diabetes. These challenges must be addressed to correctly classify diabetes and establish an appropriate treatment strategy early in the course of disease for all. This may be the first step in improving diabetes outcomes across racial/ethnic groups. This review will discuss the pitfalls in the current diabetes classification scheme that is leading to increasing overlap between diabetes types and heterogeneity within each type. It will also present proposed alternative classification schemes and approaches to understanding diabetes type that may improve the timely and accurate classification of pediatric diabetes type.

Complicated curve association of body weight at diagnosis with C-peptide in children and adults with new-onset type 1 diabetes

AIM

To investigate the association of body mass index (BMI) or BMI z-score (BMIz) at diagnosis with β-cell function in new-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients in children and adults.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study; 256 children (<18 years) and 245 adults (≥18 years) with less than 1-year duration were recruited and followed for 4 years with an interval of 12 months. Smooth curve fitting, a two-piecewise linear model, and Cox proportional hazards models were utilized to investigate the influence of BMI/BMIz on C-peptide levels.

RESULTS

Heavier patients (BMIz ≥ -1 in children and BMI in adults ≥20.2 kg/m² ) had greater C-peptide with a complicated J curve in all age groups after adjustment for age of onset, sex, and disease duration. Moreover, after 4 years of follow-up, patients with higher BMI/BMIz had a lower risk of β-cell failure (HR = 0.7; 95% CI, 0.6-1.0; P = .026). However, no association was found between baseline BMI/BMIz at diagnosis and C-peptide rate of decline during 1 year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Association between BMI/BMIz and C-peptide in T1D followed a complicated J curve pattern, and heavier patients had greater C-peptide at diagnosis and a lower risk of β-cell failure at 4 years, suggesting that baseline BMI is a useful predictor for β-cell function in patients with T1D.

Single Islet Autoantibody at Diagnosis of Clinical Type 1 Diabetes is Associated With Older Age and Insulin Resistance

CONTEXT

Multiple islet autoantibody positivity usually precedes clinical (stage 3) type 1 diabetes (T1D).

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that individuals who develop stage 3 T1D with only a single autoantibody have unique metabolic differences.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis of participants in the T1D TrialNet study.

SETTING

Autoantibody-positive relatives of individuals with stage 3 T1D.

PARTICIPANTS

Autoantibody-positive relatives who developed stage 3 T1D (at median age 12.4 years, range = 1.4-58.6) and had autoantibody data close to clinical diagnosis (n = 786, 47.4% male, 79.9% non-Hispanic white).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Logistic regression modeling was used to assess relationships between autoantibody status and demographic, clinical, and metabolic characteristics, adjusting for potential confounders and correcting for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

At diagnosis of stage 3 T1D, single autoantibody positivity, observed in 119 (15.1%) participants (72% GAD65, 13% microinsulin antibody assay, 11% insulinoma-associated antigen 2, 1% islet cell antibody, 3% autoantibodies to zinc transporter 8 [ZnT8]), was significantly associated with older age, higher C-peptide measures (fasting, area under the curve, 2-hour, and early response in oral glucose tolerance test), higher homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, and lower T1D Index60 (all P < 0.03). While with adjustment for age, 2-hour C-peptide remained statistically different, controlling for body mass index (BMI) attenuated the differences. Sex, race, ethnicity, human leukocyte antigen DR3-DQ2, and/or DR4-DQ8, BMI category, and glucose measures were not significantly associated with single autoantibody positivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with multiple autoantibody positivity, single autoantibody at diagnosis of stage 3 T1D was associated with older age and insulin resistance possibly mediated by elevated BMI, suggesting heterogeneous disease pathogenesis. These differences are potentially relevant for T1D prevention and treatment.

Factors predicting poor glycemic control in the first two years of childhood onset type 1 diabetes in a cohort from East London, UK: Analyses using mixed effects fractional polynomial models

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Poor early glycemic control in childhood onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) is associated with future risk of acute and chronic complications. Our aim was to identify the predictors of higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) within 24 months of T1D diagnosis in children and adolescents.

METHODS

Mixed effects models with fractional polynomials were used to analyze longitudinal data of patients <19 years of age, followed from T1D diagnosis for up to 2 years, at three diabetes clinics in East London, United Kingdom.

RESULTS

A total of 2209 HbA1c observations were available for 356 patients (52.5% female; 64.4% non-white), followed from within 3 months of diagnosis during years 2005 to 2015, with a mean ± SD of 6.2 ± 2.5 HbA1c observations/participant. The mean age and HbA1c at diagnosis were 8.9 ± 4.3 years and 10.7% ±4.3% (or expressed as mmol/mol HbA1c mean ± SD 92.9 ± 23.10 mmol/mol) respectively. Over the 2 years following T1D diagnosis, HbA1c levels were mostly above the National Institute for Health, Care and Excellence (NICE), UK recommendations of 7.5% (<58 mmol/mol). Significant (P < .05) predictors of poorer glycemic control were: Age at diagnosis (12-18 years), higher HbA1c at baseline (>9.5%, ie, >80 mmol/mol), clinic site, non-white ethnicity, and period (pre-year 2011) of diagnosis. Additionally in univariable analyses, frequency of clinic visits, HbA1c at diagnosis, and type of insulin treatment regimen showed association with poor glycemic control (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Major risk factors of poorer glycemic control during 3-24 months following childhood onset T1D are: diagnosis prior to 2011, higher HbA1c levels at baseline, age at diagnosis, non-white ethnicity, and clinic site.

Serum C-peptide and osteocalcin levels in children with recently diagnosed diabetes

BACKGROUND

We explored the association of C-peptide (marker of secreted insulin), proinsulin and proinsulin ⁄C-peptide ratio (PI/C) (markers of beta-cell endoplasmic reticulum [ER] stress) with undercarboxylated (uOC) and carboxylated osteocalcin (cOC) and their ratio (uOC/cOC) in children with recently diagnosed type 1 (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D), and the correlation of these variables with partial remission (PR) in children with T1D.

METHODS

Demographic and clinical data of children with new-onset diabetes (n = 68; median age = 12.2 years; 33.8% non-Hispanic White, 45.6% Hispanic/Latino, 16.2% African American and 4.4% other) were collected at diagnosis and during the first (V1), second (V2) and third clinical visits at 9.0, 32.0 and 175.7 weeks, respectively. Serum proinsulin, C-peptide, uOC and cOC values were measured 7.0 weeks after diagnosis. PR was defined as insulin dose-adjusted HbA1c (IDAA1c) ≤9.

RESULTS

In children with new-onset T1D with DKA (33.3%) or T2D (29.4%), Spearman's correlation coefficient revealed a positive association between the C-peptide levels and both uOC and uOC/cOC ratio. In T1D (n = 48), both higher serum C-peptide levels and low PI:C ratio were associated with higher BMI percentile (β = 0.02, P = .001; β = -0.01, P = .02, respectively) and older age at diagnosis (β = 0.13, P = .001; β = -0.12, P = .001, respectively). Furthermore, in children with T1D, C-peptide levels at V1 correlated with IDAA1c ≤ 9 at V1 (P = .04).

CONCLUSION

C-peptide levels are associated with a higher uOC and uOC/cOC ratio in paediatric diabetes. In new-onset T1D children, older age and higher BMI were associated with lower beta-cell stress and higher preserved function, which was predictive of PR on follow-up.

Precipitating Factors for Diabetic Ketoacidosis among Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: The Effect of Socioeconomic Status

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is one of the life-threatening acute complications of diabetes mellitus that mainly occurs in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). This study aimed to determine the socioeconomic factors associated with DKA in patients with T1DM in Basrah. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A cross-sectional study including patients with T1DM who were admitted due to DKA or any other complaint in any of the teaching hospitals in Basrah, from February to October 2017. Data collection from each patient or their parents using a questionnaire was designed to capture personal, social, and disease-related factors. <b><i>Results:</i></b> One hundred forty-seven patients were involved in this study. They were compared with different factors to assess correlations with the risk of DKA. Younger age, underweight, being without a job, low personal and/or mother educational level, travel, home glucose monitoring less than 7 times a week, uncontrolled HbA_1c and insulin stoppage as a cause of DKA regardless of the reasons to stop were associated with an increased risk of DKA. On the other hand, own home, availability of a glucometer for checking glucose, basal-bolus insulin regimen, insulin supply, and education at a tertiary center, correct injection technique whoever injected the insulin and dietary adherence, all were associated with a decreased risk of DKA. Other factors like gender, marital status, smoking status, father educational level, residency, income, personal home area, the frequency of HbA_1c checking, and family history of diabetes were not associated with a significant effect on the DKA risk. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Multiple socioeconomic factors interact to play a vital role in the development of DKA among patients with T1DM in Basrah.

Obesity in Type 1 Diabetes: Pathophysiology, Clinical Impact, and Mechanisms

There has been an alarming increase in the prevalence of obesity in people with type 1 diabetes in recent years. Although obesity has long been recognized as a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes and a catalyst for complications, much less is known about the role of obesity in the initiation and pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. Emerging evidence suggests that obesity contributes to insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and cardiometabolic complications in type 1 diabetes. Unique therapeutic strategies may be required to address these comorbidities within the context of intensive insulin therapy, which promotes weight gain. There is an urgent need for clinical guidelines for the prevention and management of obesity in type 1 diabetes. The development of these recommendations will require a transdisciplinary research strategy addressing metabolism, molecular mechanisms, lifestyle, neuropsychology, and novel therapeutics. In this review, the prevalence, clinical impact, energy balance physiology, and potential mechanisms of obesity in type 1 diabetes are described, with a special focus on the substantial gaps in knowledge in this field. Our goal is to provide a framework for the evidence base needed to develop type 1 diabetes-specific weight management recommendations that account for the competing outcomes of glycemic control and weight management.

The Effect of Age on the Progression and Severity of Type 1 Diabetes: Potential Effects on Disease Mechanisms

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To explore the impact of age on type 1 diabetes (T1D) pathogenesis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Children progress more rapidly from autoantibody positivity to T1D and have lower C-peptide levels compared to adults. In histological analysis of post-mortem pancreata, younger age of diagnosis is associated with reduced numbers of insulin containing islets and a hyper-immune CD20^hi infiltrate. Moreover compared to adults, children exhibit decreased immune regulatory function and increased engagement and trafficking of autoreactive CD8⁺ T cells, and age-related differences in β cell vulnerability may also contribute to the more aggressive immune phenotype observed in children. To account for some of these differences, HLA and non-HLA genetic loci that influence multiple disease characteristics, including age of onset, are being increasingly characterized. The exception of T1D as an autoimmune disease more prevalent in children than adults results from a combination of immune, metabolic, and genetic factors. Age-related differences in T1D pathology have important implications for better tailoring of immunotherapies.

Are low levels of serum bicarbonate associated with risk of progressing to impaired fasting glucose/diabetes? A single-centre prospective cohort study in Beijing, China

AIMS

Bicarbonate is involved in many human essential metabolic processes, but little is known about the association between serum bicarbonate and glucose metabolism. This study aims to investigate the association between serum bicarbonate and the risk of progressing to impaired fasting glucose (IFG)/diabetes mellitus (DM).

SETTING

The data were obtained from a large-scale prospective cohort study in a single health centre in Beijing.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 5318 participants aged 18-70 years who underwent health examinations annually with baseline fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ranging from 3.9 to 5.5 mmol/L, without a history of either diabetes or concomitant chronic diseases, were enrolled in this 6-year observational study.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES

A logistic regression analysis was used to calculate ORs for progressing to IFG/DM by the category of baseline serum bicarbonate. In addition, an analysis of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for predicting IFG was performed.

RESULTS

Of the 5318 participants, 210 developed IFG after a median 2.2 years of follow-up. After adjusting for sex, age, FPG, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, serum creatinine, serum alanine aminotransferase and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol at baseline, the participants in the first (OR 4.18, 95% CI 2.42 to 7.21; p<0.001), second (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.71 to 5.33; p<0.001) and third (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.15 to 3.89; p=0.015) quartiles of serum bicarbonate had higher odds for progressing to IFG/DM compared with those in the highest quartile. The area under the ROC curve for predicting IFG/DM was 0.69 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.72; p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Lower serum bicarbonate is associated with higher risk of the development of IFG/DM.

Factors associated with preservation of C-peptide levels at the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes

AIMS

The level of C-peptide can identify individuals most likely to respond to immune interventions carried out to prevent pancreatic β-cell damage. The aim of the study was to evaluate factors associated with C-peptide levels at type 1 diabetes (T1D) diagnosis.

METHODS

This study included 1098 children aged 2-17 with newly recognized T1D. Data were collected from seven Polish hospitals. The following variables were analyzed: date of birth, fasting C-peptide, HbA1c, sex, weight, height, pH at diabetes onset.

RESULTS

A correlation was observed between fasting C-peptide level and BMI-SDS (p = 0.0001), age (p = 0.0001), and HbA1c (p = 0.0001). The logistic regression model revealed that fasting C-peptide ≥0.7 ng/ml at diabetes diagnosis was dependent on weight, HbA1c, pH and sex (p < 0.0001). Overweight and obese children (n = 124) had higher fasting C-peptide (p = 0.0001) and lower HbA1c (p = 0.0008) levels than other subjects. Girls had higher fasting C-peptide (p = 0.036) and higher HbA1c (p = 0.026) levels than boys.

CONCLUSION

Obese and overweight children are diagnosed with diabetes at an early stage with largely preserved C-peptide levels. Increased awareness of T1D symptoms as well as improved screening and diagnostic tools are important to preserve C-peptide levels. There are noticeable gender differences in the course of diabetes already at T1D diagnosis.

Racial/Ethnic Minority Youth With Recent-Onset Type 1 Diabetes Have Poor Prognostic Factors

OBJECTIVE

To compare races/ethnicities for characteristics, at type 1 diabetes diagnosis and during the first 3 years postdiagnosis, known to influence long-term health outcomes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed 927 Pediatric Diabetes Consortium (PDC) participants <19 years old (631 non-Hispanic white [NHW], 216 Hispanic, and 80 African American [AA]) diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and followed for a median of 3.0 years (interquartile range 2.2-3.6). Demographic and clinical data were collected from medical records and patient/parent interviews. Partial remission period or "honeymoon" was defined as insulin dose-adjusted hemoglobin A_1c (IDAA1c) ≤9.0%. We used logistic, linear, and multinomial regression models, as well as repeated-measures logistic and linear regression models. Models were adjusted for known confounders.

RESULTS

AA subjects, compared with NHW, at diagnosis, were in a higher age- and sex-adjusted BMI percentile (BMI%), had more advanced pubertal development, and had higher frequency of presentation in diabetic ketoacidosis, largely explained by socioeconomic factors. During the first 3 years, AA subjects were more likely to have hypertension and severe hypoglycemia events; had trajectories with higher hemoglobin A_1c, BMI%, insulin doses, and IDAA1c; and were less likely to enter the partial remission period. Hispanics, compared with NHWs, had higher BMI% at diagnosis and over the three subsequent years. During the 3 years postdiagnosis, Hispanics had higher prevalence of dyslipidemia and maintained trajectories of higher insulin doses and IDAA1c.

CONCLUSIONS

Youth of minority race/ethnicity have increased markers of poor prognosis of type 1 diabetes at diagnosis and 3 years postdiagnosis, possibly contributing to higher risk of long-term diabetes complications compared with NHWs.

The influence of body mass index and age on C-peptide at the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in children who participated in the diabetes prevention trial-type 1

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

The extent of influence of BMI and age on C-peptide at the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is unknown. We thus studied the impact of body mass index Z-scores (BMIZ) and age on C-peptide measures at and soon after the diagnosis of T1D.

METHODS

Data from Diabetes Prevention Trial-Type 1 (DPT-1) participants <18.0 years at diagnosis was analyzed. Analyses examined associations of C-peptide measures with BMIZ and age in 2 cohorts: oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) at diagnosis (n = 99) and mixed meal tolerance tests (MMTTs) <6 months after diagnosis (n = 80). Multivariable linear regression was utilized.

RESULTS

Fasting and area under the curve (AUC) C-peptide from OGTTs (n = 99) at diagnosis and MMTTs (n = 80) after diagnosis were positively associated with BMIZ and age (P < .001 for all). Associations persisted when BMIZ and age were included as independent variables in regression models (P < .001 for all). BMIZ and age explained 31%-47% of the variance of C-peptide measures. In an example, 2 individuals with identical AUC C-peptide values had an approximate 5-fold difference in values after adjustments for BMIZ and age. The association between fasting glucose and C-peptide decreased markedly when fasting C-peptide values were adjusted (r = 0.30, P < .01 to r = 0.07, n.s.).

CONCLUSIONS

C-peptide measures are strongly and independently related to BMIZ and age at and soon after the diagnosis of T1D. Adjustments for BMIZ and age cause substantial changes in C-peptide values, and impact the association between glycemia and C-peptide. Such adjustments can improve assessments of β-cell impairment at diagnosis.

TCF7L2 Genetic Variants Contribute to Phenotypic Heterogeneity of Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

The phenotypic diversity of type 1 diabetes suggests heterogeneous etiopathogenesis. We investigated the relationship of type 2 diabetes-associated transcription factor 7 like 2 (TCF7L2) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with immunologic and metabolic characteristics at type 1 diabetes diagnosis.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied TrialNet participants with newly diagnosed autoimmune type 1 diabetes with available TCF7L2 rs4506565 and rs7901695 SNP data (n = 810; median age 13.6 years; range 3.3-58.6). We modeled the influence of carrying a TCF7L2 variant (i.e., having 1 or 2 minor alleles) on the number of islet autoantibodies and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)-stimulated C-peptide and glucose measures at diabetes diagnosis. All analyses were adjusted for known confounders.

RESULTS

The rs4506565 variant was a significant independent factor of expressing a single autoantibody, instead of multiple autoantibodies, at diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] 1.66 [95% CI 1.07, 2.57], P = 0.024). Interaction analysis demonstrated that this association was only significant in participants ≥12 years old (n = 504; OR 2.12 [1.29, 3.47], P = 0.003) but not younger ones (n = 306, P = 0.73). The rs4506565 variant was independently associated with higher C-peptide area under the curve (AUC) (P = 0.008) and lower mean glucose AUC (P = 0.0127). The results were similar for the rs7901695 SNP.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of individuals with new-onset type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes-linked TCF7L2 variants were associated with single autoantibody (among those ≥12 years old), higher C-peptide AUC, and lower glucose AUC levels during an OGTT. Thus, carriers of the TCF7L2 variant had a milder immunologic and metabolic phenotype at type 1 diabetes diagnosis, which could be partly driven by type 2 diabetes-like pathogenic mechanisms.

Predictors of glycemic control in the first year of diagnosis of childhood onset type 1 diabetes: A systematic review of quantitative evidence

Early glycemic control is associated with reduced future vascular complications risk in type 1 diabetes (T1D). The aim of this study was to systematically review evidence on the predictors of glycemic control within 12 months of diagnosis of childhood onset T1D. Inclusion criteria for the electronic search were: interventional and observational studies that assessed and quantified an association between the predictor and glycemic control within 12 months of diagnosis of childhood onset T1D. A total of 17 915 articles were identified from 6 databases and 20 studies were finally included in the analysis. Harvest plots and narrative synthesis were used to summarize data from intervention (n = 0), prospective/retrospective cohort (n = 15), and cross-sectional (n = 5) studies. Significant predictors of poorer glycemic control 0 to 3 months after diagnosis were older age and female gender. Non-white ethnicity, diabetes autoantibody positivity, measures of deprivation, and non-private health insurance were potential predictors. Predictors of poorer glycemic control 4 to 12 months after diagnosis were: older age, non-white ethnicity, a single parent family, high hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels at diagnosis, longer T1D duration, and non-intensive insulin therapy. Potential predictors included: family with health issues, clinical factors, and comorbidities at diagnosis. Most significant predictors of poor glycemic control within 12 months of diagnosis of childhood onset T1D are non-modifiable. These factors need to be recognized and addressed through individualized and multidisciplinary diabetes care. Further research is required to confirm the association of potential predictors with early glycemic control.

Genetic Risk Scores for Type 1 Diabetes Prediction and Diagnosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

About 50% of the heritability of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is attributed to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles and the remainder to several (close to 50) non-HLA loci. A current challenge in the field of the genetics of T1D is to apply the knowledge accumulated in the last 40 years towards differential diagnosis and risk assessment.

RECENT FINDINGS

T1D genetic risk scores seek to combine the information from HLA and non-HLA alleles to improve the accuracy of diagnosis, prediction, and prognosis. Here, we describe genetic risk scores that have been developed and validated in various settings and populations. Several genetic scores have been proposed that merge disease risk information from multiple genetic factors to optimize the use of genetic information and ultimately improve prediction and diagnosis of T1D.

Factors Associated with C-peptide Levels after Diagnosis in Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

C-peptide is the best indicator of endogenous insulin secretion in patients with diabetes. This study investigated the relationship between C-peptide levels and clinical/laboratory parameters of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), as measured at 6-month intervals after diagnosis. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 34 children with newly diagnosed T1DM. The study subjects were subdivided into a rapid progression group with C-peptide levels <0.6 ng/mL at 36 months (n=27; Group A) and a slow progression group with C-peptide levels >0.6 ng/mL at 36 months (n=7; Group B). Patients in Group A had a younger mean age at diagnosis (A: 9±4.3 years vs. B: 13.6±3.6 years; p=0.013) and lower body mass index (BMI) (A: 15.5±2.5 kg/m² vs. B: 18.7±3.3 kg/m²; p=0.035). There were fewer asymptomatic patients with glucosuria in Group A, with these patients showing more severe symptoms, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (p=0.035), than those in Group B. Group A also had lower initial C-peptide levels (A: 0.5±0.46 ng/mL vs. B: 1.87±1.08 ng/mL; p=0.001). There were no significant intergroup differences in sex, family history, baseline hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), potential of hydrogen (pH), autoantibodies or serum insulin. Simple correlation analyses showed that C-peptide levels were correlated with age and BMI, but not with pH, insulin, or HbA1c. Younger patients, who had a lower BMI, significant symptoms with complications, and/or a low initial C-peptide level, tended to show a rapid rate of decrease in C-peptide levels. Early intensive insulin therapy to preserve beta-cell function should be considered in these groups.

Racial and ethnic differences among children with new-onset autoimmune Type 1 diabetes

AIM

To compare demographic and clinical characteristics among children from ethnic minorities and non-Hispanic white children with new-onset autoimmune Type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

We analysed a single-centre series of 712 children with new-onset autoimmune Type 1 diabetes between January 2008 and March 2011. The median (range) age was 9.7 (0.3-18.1) years, the mean (sd) BMI percentile was 69.7 (25.4) and 48.3% of the cohort were girls. The cohort comprised 57.3% non-Hispanic white, 20.5% Hispanic and 14.8% African-American children, and 7.4% were of other, mixed or unknown race.

RESULTS

The Hispanic subgroup, compared with non-Hispanic white subgroup, had a higher mean (sd) C-peptide level [0.82 (1.62) vs 0.55 (0.47) ng/ml; P=0.004), and a greater proportion of children with elevated BMI (overweight or obesity; 49.6% vs 32.5%; P<0.001) and diabetic ketoacidosis (51.8% vs 38.2%; P=0.006). The African-American group had a higher mean (sd) glucose level [24.4 (12.8) vs 21.4 (10.7) mmol/l; P=0.017], a greater proportion of children with ketoacidosis (56.7% vs 38.2%; P=0.001), a greater proportion with elevated BMI (52.9% vs 32.5%; P<0.001), and a lower proportion of children at pre-pubertal stage (49.0% vs 61.6%; P=0.01), and tended to have higher C-peptide levels [0.65 (0.59) vs 0.55 [0.47] ng/ml; P=0.079) compared with the non-Hispanic white children. The differences in C-peptide levels compared with non-Hispanic white children persisted for Hispanic (P=0.01) but not African-American children (P=0.29) after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, ketoacidosis, glucose, Tanner stage and autoantibody number.

CONCLUSION

At the onset of paediatric autoimmune Type 1 diabetes, Hispanic, but not African-American children had higher C-peptide levels, after adjustment for potential confounders, compared with non-Hispanic white children. These findings suggest that ethnicity may contribute to the heterogeneity of Type 1 diabetes pathogenesis, with possible implications for intervention.

DPD epitope-specific glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)65 autoantibodies in children with Type 1 diabetes

AIM

To study whether DPD epitope-specific glutamate decarboxylase autoantibodies are found more frequently in children with milder forms of Type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated 75 children with new-onset autoimmune Type 1 diabetes, in whom we collected demographic, anthropometric and clinical data and measured islet autoantibodies. Glutamate decarboxylase 65 autoantibody-positive samples were analysed for epitope specificities using recombinant Fab against the DPD-defined epitope of glutamate decarboxylase 65.

RESULTS

After adjustment for age, positive DPD epitope recognition was significantly associated with higher C-peptide levels at onset (P = 0.02, r² =0.21, n = 35), and high DPD recognition in the highest quartile tended to be associated with HbA_1c ≤ 53 mmol/mol (7%) at the last follow-up [mean (sd) follow-up 1.3 (0.4) years; P = 0.07; for the model, P = 0.044, n = 30)]. Age- and sex-adjusted BMI percentile was significantly correlated with recognition of the DPD-defined epitope (P < 0.03, r² =0.14, n = 34), but this correlation was driven by the older age group (age ≥ 10 years; P = 0.016, r² =0.27, n = 21) and was not significant in younger children (P = 0.93, n = 13). There were no independent associations with sex, race/ethnicity, diabetic ketoacidosis, HbA_1c , HLA DR3-DQ2/DR4-DQ8 or autoantibody number.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that recognition of the DPD-defined glutamate decarboxylase 65 autoantibody epitope at Type 1 diabetes onset is directly associated with β-cell function, BMI and age, which supports the hypothesis that immunological factors contribute to the clinical heterogeneity of Type 1 diabetes. Larger studies relating epitope-specific glutamate decarboxylase 65 autoantibody to clinical phenotype in children with Type 1 diabetes are warranted.

The influence of clinical and genetic factors on the development of obesity in children with type 1 diabetes

The exact cause of the obesity epidemic remains unknown; however, both environmental and genetic factors are involved. People at risk of developing obesity include children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), which in turn increases their cardiovascular disease risk. Here, we discuss the clinical and genetic factors influencing weight in patients with T1DM. In children with T1DM, the presence of obesity depends mainly on sex, metabolic control, and disease duration. However, genetic factors, including the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene, are also associated with body weight. Indeed, children with the FTO gene rs9939609 obesity-risk allele (homozygous = AA or heterozygous = AT) are predisposed to a higher body mass index and have a greater risk of being overweight or obese. However, in this review, we show that FTO gene polymorphisms only have a small effect on body weight in children, much weaker than the effect of clinical factors. The association between FTO gene polymorphisms and body weight is only statistically significant in children without severe obesity. Moreover, other genetic factors had no effect on weight in patients with T1DM, and further research involving larger populations is required to confirm the genetic basis of diabetes and obesity. Therefore, identifying the clinical features of children with T1DM, such as their initial body mass index, sex, metabolic control, and disease duration, will still have the strongest effect on reducing risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Physicians should pay close attention to modifiable elements of these relationships, for example, metabolic control and energy and insulin intake, when caring for patients with T1DM. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Psychosocial aspects of type 1 diabetes in Latino- and Asian-American youth

Latino and Asian-Americans represent the fastest growing immigrant populations in the United States. We aimed to review the current knowledge on the psychosocial factors that influence type 1 diabetes (T1D) care, education, and outcomes in Latino and Asian-American youth immigrants in the United States, as well as culturally sensitive programs to address health disparities. We conducted a narrative, conceptual review of studies on T1D in Latino and Asian-American youth and relevant studies in type 2 diabetes and adults. Approximately 50% of both Latino and Asian-American youth with T1D are in suboptimal glycemic control. Socioeconomic status, literacy, English proficiency, acculturation, access to health care, family functioning, mental health, and nutrition influence T1D care and outcomes. However, the degree to which these complex, inter-related and dynamic factors affect long-term T1D outcomes is largely unknown. Culturally sensitive programs for Latino or Asian-American youth with T1D are scarce in the United States. Research is needed among Latino and Asian-American youth with T1D so that comprehensive, culturally sensitive diabetes education, and care programs can be developed to decrease disparities in the health burden of these groups.

HLA-DQ genotypes - but not immune markers - differ by ethnicity in patients with childhood onset type 1 diabetes residing in Belgium

AIM

The aim of this study was to compare genetic (HLA-DQ) and immune markers in a large population of type 1 diabetic (T1D) children and adolescents residing in the same environment, but of different ethnic origin: European Caucasians (EC), Moghrabin Caucasians (MC), Black Africans (BA) and of Mixed Origin (MO).

METHODS

Retrospective study, including 452 patients with T1D aged 0.1-17.5 yr at diagnosis recruited at the Diabetology Clinic of the University Children's Hospital Queen Fabiola from May 1995 to March 2013. HLA-DQ genotyping, diabetes-associated autoantibodies, organ-specific autoantibodies, and other markers of autoimmunity were studied.

RESULTS

The proportion of the different ethnic groups was: 55% EC, 35% MC, 6% BA, and 4% MO. Between these four groups, there were no significant differences concerning age, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), presence of diabetic ketoacidosis, random C-peptide level at diagnosis and 2 yr later. The two most frequent haplotypes were DQA1*0501-DQB1*0201 and DQA1*0301-DQB1*0302 with a significant higher prevalence in MC and EC (p = 0.002 and 0.03, respectively). The high-risk heterozygous genotype DQA1*0301-DQB1*0302/DQA1*0501-DQB1*0201 was more frequent in EC than in MC, whereas the homozygous genotype DQA1*0501-DQB1*0201/DQA1*0501-DQB1*0201 was more prevalent in MC (p = 0.019). These susceptible genotypes were more frequent in youngest patients (p = 0.003). Diabetes-associated autoantibodies, organ-specific autoantibodies, and other immune markers did not statistically differ between ethnic groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations in a large population of T1D children and adolescents of different ethnic groups residing in Belgium show significant differences in HLA-DQ status, but not in diabetes-associated autoantibodies, organ-specific autoantibodies, or other immune markers.

Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in youth with type 1 diabetes and elevated body mass index

AIM

The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in children with type 1 diabetes and elevated BMI in the USA is poorly defined. We aimed to test the hypothesis that children with type 1 diabetes who are overweight or obese have increased frequencies of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and micro-/macroalbuminuria compared to their healthy weight peers.

METHODS

We studied 11,348 children 2 to <18 years of age enrolled in T1D Exchange between September 2010 and August 2012 with type 1 diabetes for ≥1 year and BMI ≥ 5th age-/sex-adjusted percentile (mean age 12 years, 49 % female, 78 % non-Hispanic White). Overweight and obesity were defined based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Diagnoses of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and micro-/macroalbuminuria were obtained from medical records. Logistic and linear regression models were used to assess factors associated with weight status.

RESULTS

Of the 11,348 participants, 22 % were overweight and 14 % obese. Hypertension and dyslipidemia were diagnosed in 1.0 % and 3.8 % of participants, respectively; micro-/macroalbuminuria was diagnosed in 3.8 % of participants with available data (n = 7,401). The odds of either hypertension or dyslipidemia were higher in obese than healthy weight participants [OR 3.5, 99 % confidence interval (CI) 2.0-6.1 and 2.2, 99 % CI 1.6-3.1, respectively]. Obese participants tended to be diagnosed with micro-/macroalbuminuria less often than healthy weight participants (OR 0.6, 99 % CI 0.4-1.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Obese children with type 1 diabetes have a higher prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia than healthy weight children with type 1 diabetes. The possible association of obesity with lower micro-/macroalbuminuria rates warrants further investigation.

Prediction and prevention of type 1 diabetes: update on success of prediction and struggles at prevention

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is the archetypal example of a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease characterized by selective destruction of pancreatic β cells. The pathogenic equation for T1DM presents a complex interrelation of genetic and environmental factors, most of which have yet to be identified. On the basis of observed familial aggregation of T1DM, it is certain that there is a decided heritable genetic susceptibility for developing T1DM. The well-known association of T1DM with certain human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) was a major step toward understanding the role of inheritance in T1DM. Type 1 diabetes is a polygenic disease with a small number of genes having large effects (e.g., HLA) and a large number of genes having small effects. Risk of T1DM progression is conferred by specific HLA DR/DQ alleles [e.g., DRB1*03-DQB1*0201 (DR3/DQ2) or DRB1*04-DQB1*0302 (DR4/DQ8)]. In addition, the HLA allele DQB1*0602 is associated with dominant protection from T1DM in multiple populations. A concordance rate lower than 100% between monozygotic twins indicates a potential involvement of environmental factors on disease development. The detection of at least two islet autoantibodies in the blood is virtually pre-diagnostic for T1DM. The majority of children who carry these biomarkers, regardless of whether they have an a priori family history of the disease, will develop insulin-requiring diabetes. Facilitating pre-diagnosis is the timing of seroconversion which is most pronounced in the first 2 yr of life. Unfortunately the significant progress in improving prediction of T1DM has not yet been paralleled by safe and efficacious intervention strategies aimed at preventing the disease. Herein we summarize the chequered history of prediction and prevention of T1DM, describing successes and failures alike, and thereafter examine future trends in the exciting, partially explored field of T1DM prevention.

Heterogeneity in recent-onset type 1 diabetes - a clinical trial perspective

BACKGROUND

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) TrialNet is a National Institutes of Health-sponsored clinical trial network aimed at altering the disease course of T1D. The purpose of this study is to evaluate age-dependent heterogeneity in clinical, metabolic and immunologic characteristics of individuals with recent-onset T1D, to identify cohorts of interest and to aid in planning of future studies.

METHODS

Eight hundred eighty-three individuals with recent-onset T1D involved in five TrialNet studies were categorized by age as follows: ≥18 years, 12-17 years, 8-12 years and <8 years. Data were compared with healthy age-matched subjects in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

RESULTS

Only 2.0% of the individuals overall were excluded from trial participation because of insufficient C-peptide values (<0.2 pmol/mL). A disproportionate number of these subjects were <8 years old. Leukopenia was present in 21.2% of individuals and lymphopenia in 11.6%; these frequencies were markedly higher than age-matched healthy National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey population. Of the cohort, 24.5% were overweight or obese. Neither high-risk human leukocyte antigen type DR3 nor DR4 was present in 31% of adults and 21% of children.

CONCLUSIONS

The ability of recent-onset T1D patients to meet key entry criteria for TrialNet studies, including C-peptide >0.2 pmol/mL, varies by age. Lower C-peptide level requirements for younger participants and other aspects of heterogeneity of recent-onset T1D patients, such as white blood cell count abnormalities and body mass index should be considered in the design of future clinical studies.

Preserved C-peptide levels in overweight or obese compared with underweight children upon diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus

PURPOSE

We hypothesized that overweight or obese children might develop type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) early despite residual beta-cell function. Factors independently associated with preservation of C-peptide level were analyzed.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical data of 135 children aged 2.1-16.5 years with autoimmune T1DM. Body mass index (BMI), pubertal stage, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and C-peptide levels were evaluated. Patients were assigned to underweight (22.2%), normal weight (63.7%), and overweight or obese (14.1%) groups according to their BMI.

RESULTS

Preservation of serum C-peptide levels (≥0.6 ng/mL) was found in 43.0% of subjects. With increasing BMI, the proportions of children with preserved C-peptide levels increased from 33.3% to 41.9% to 63.2%, with marginal significance (P=0.051). Interaction analysis indicated no effect of BMI score on age at onset associated with serum C-peptide levels. The lower the C-peptide level, the younger the age of onset (P<0.001), after adjustment for BMI z-score and HbA1c level. However, no significant relationship between BMI z-score or category and onset age was evident. Upon multivariate-adjusted modeling, the odds that the C-peptide level was preserved increased by 1.2 fold (P=0.001) per year of life, by 3.1 folds (P=0.015) in children presenting without (compared to with) ketoacidosis, and by 5.0 folds (P=0.042) in overweight or obese (compared to underweight) children.

CONCLUSION

Overweight or obese children had slightly more residual beta-cell function than did underweight children. However, we found no evidence that obesity temporally accelerates T1DM presentation.

Serum adiposity-induced biomarkers in obese and lean children with recently diagnosed autoimmune type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetic complications in type 1 diabetes. Adipokines, which regulate obesity-induced inflammation, may contribute to this association. We compared serum adipokines and inflammatory cytokines in obese and lean children with new-onset autoimmune type 1 diabetes.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We prospectively studied 32 lean and 18 obese children (age range: 2-18 yr) with new-onset autoimmune type 1 diabetes and followed them for up to 2 yr. Serum adipokines [leptin, total and high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin, omentin, resistin, chemerin, visfatin], cytokines [interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-10, IL-12, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha] and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured at a median of 7 wk after diagnosis (range: 3-16 wk).

RESULTS

Lean children were 71.9% non-Hispanic White, 21.9% Hispanic, and 6.3% African-American, compared with 27.8, 55.6, and 16.7%, respectively, for obese children (p = 0.01). Compared with lean children, obese children had significantly higher serum leptin, visfatin, chemerin, TNF-alpha and CRP, and lower total adiponectin and omentin after adjustment for race/ethnicity and Tanner stage. African-American race was independently associated with higher leptin among youth ≥10 yr (p = 0.007). Leptin levels at onset positively correlated with hemoglobin A1c after 1-2 yr (p = 0.0001) independently of body mass index, race/ethnicity, and diabetes duration. Higher TNF-alpha was associated with obesity and female gender, after adjustment for race/ethnicity (p = 0.0003).

CONCLUSION

Obese children with new-onset autoimmune type 1 diabetes have a proinflammatory profile of circulating adipokines and cytokines that may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and diabetic complications.

Types of pediatric diabetes mellitus defined by anti-islet autoimmunity and random C-peptide at diagnosis

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that anti-islet autoantibody expression and random serum C-peptide obtained at diagnosis define phenotypes of pediatric diabetes with distinct clinical features.

SUBJECTS

We analyzed 607 children aged <19 yr consecutively diagnosed with diabetes after exclusion of 13% of cases with secondary diabetes (e.g., cystic fibrosis related, steroid induced) and 7.3% of cases lacking measurement of C-peptide and/or autoantibodies.

METHODS

Autoantibody positivity (A+) was defined as ≥ 1 positive out of GAD65, insulin, and ICA512 antibodies. Preserved beta-cell function (β+) was defined as random serum C-peptide at diagnosis ≥ 0.6 ng/mL. Body mass index (BMI) was measured at median 1.2 months after diagnosis. Characteristics at diagnosis and 2 yr (range 18-30 months) after diagnosis were compared among groups.

RESULTS

Autoantibody expression and C-peptide at diagnosis defined the following groups: A+β- (52.1% of the children), A+β+ (32.8%), A-β+ (12.5%), and A-β- (2.6%). These four groups differed in gender, race/ethnicity, and clinical characteristics at diagnosis [i.e., age, pubertal development, obesity/overweight, diabetic ketoacidosis, glycemia, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)] and at 2 yr (i.e., clinical diagnosis, treatment, and HbA1c) (all p < 0.0001). Among all β+ children, C-peptide >2 ng/mL was associated with lower HbA1c at onset (p = 0.0001) and, in the A+β+ subgroup, with higher frequency of achieving HbA1c < 7% at 2 yr (p = 0.03). All three patients (0.7% of total) with monogenic diabetes (maturity onset diabetes of the young, MODY) were A-β+ with C-peptide between 0.6 and 2 ng/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-islet autoantibodies status and serum random C-peptide at diagnosis define four distinct phenotypes of pediatric diabetes with prognostic value.

The clinical utility of C-peptide measurement in the care of patients with diabetes

C-peptide is produced in equal amounts to insulin and is the best measure of endogenous insulin secretion in patients with diabetes. Measurement of insulin secretion using C-peptide can be helpful in clinical practice: differences in insulin secretion are fundamental to the different treatment requirements of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. This article reviews the use of C-peptide measurement in the clinical management of patients with diabetes, including the interpretation and choice of C-peptide test and its use to assist diabetes classification and choice of treatment. We provide recommendations for where C-peptide should be used, choice of test and interpretation of results. With the rising incidence of Type 2 diabetes in younger patients, the discovery of monogenic diabetes and development of new therapies aimed at preserving insulin secretion, the direct measurement of insulin secretion may be increasingly important. Advances in assays have made C-peptide measurement both more reliable and inexpensive. In addition, recent work has demonstrated that C-peptide is more stable in blood than previously suggested or can be reliably measured on a spot urine sample (urine C-peptide:creatinine ratio), facilitating measurement in routine clinical practice. The key current clinical role of C-peptide is to assist classification and management of insulin-treated patients. Utility is greatest after 3-5 years from diagnosis when persistence of substantial insulin secretion suggests Type 2 or monogenic diabetes. Absent C-peptide at any time confirms absolute insulin requirement and the appropriateness of Type 1 diabetes management strategies regardless of apparent aetiology.