Neonatal and infant beta cell hormone concentrations in relation to type 1 diabetes risk. Issue 7 (19th February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stumpp, Christian; Beyerlein, Andreas; Ziegler, Anette‐Gabriele; Bonifacio, Ezio
• Is Part Of: Pediatric diabetes. Volume 15:Issue 7(2014:Nov.)
• Page Start: 528
• Page End: 533
• Publication Date: 2014-02-19
• Subjects: Diabetes in children -- Periodicals; 616.462
• DOI: 10.1111/pedi.12122
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1399-543X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="pedi12122-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p id="pedi12122-para-0001">Type 1 diabetes is preceded by the appearance of islet autoantibodies. Seroconversion to islet autoantibodies is greatest around 1 yr of age and is more frequent in children born to fathers with type 1 diabetes as compared to children born to mothers with type 1 diabetes. Here we asked whether changes in beta‐cell function in the neonate and infant reflect variations in the incidence of islet autoantibody seroconversion. Insulin, proinsulin, and c‐peptide concentrations were measured in sequential samples taken from birth to age 2 yr in 103 children who had a first degree relative with type 1 diabetes and who had been followed for islet autoantibody seroconversion. Serum insulin and proinsulin concentrations were highest at birth declining by age 3 months and stable thereafter until age 2 yr. C‐peptide concentrations, proinsulin/insulin, and proinsulin/c‐peptide ratios were stable from age 3 months. No differences were observed between children who developed islet autoantibodies and children who remained islet autoantibody negative. Children born to a mother with type 1 diabetes had higher birth concentrations of insulin (p = 0.005) and proinsulin (p = 0.014) as compared with children of non‐diabetic mothers. Increased insulin concentrations in children of type 1 diabetes mothers persisted until age 6 months. In conclusion, we could not relate excursions in beta‐cell hormones to autoantibody development, but suggest that the higher exposure to insulin and proinsulin in neonates born to mothers with type 1 diabetes may be linked to the relative protection against islet autoantibody seroconversion observed in these children.</p> </abstract>