Earlier Onset of Puberty on the rise among Children with Type 1 Diabetes

A recent study conducted by the German Diabetes Prospective Follow-up (DPV) registry found the trends and factors associated with the onset of puberty in children with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). The findings were published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Journal.

The study analyzed data from 13,127 children aged 6 to 18 years, revealed some concerning findings. Over the period from 2000 to 2021, the study discovered a significant trend towards earlier puberty in both girls and boys with T1D. In 2000, the onset of thelarche (Tanner stage B2) in girls occurred at an average age of 11.48 years, but by 2021, it had decreased to 10.93 years. In boys, gonadarche (Tanner stage G2/testicular volume >3 mL) decreased from an average age of 12.62 years in 2000 to 11.98 years in 2021. These findings indicate a clear shift towards earlier puberty, which could have far-reaching implications for the management of T1D in children.

The study's regression analysis identified several factors associated with the early onset of puberty in children with T1D. It was found that longer diabetes duration, higher Body Mass Index (BMI) standard deviation score (SDS), and lower glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were all linked to earlier puberty in both girls and boys. Additionally, the study noted that migration background also played a role in this trend.

These findings emphasize the need for a reevaluation of diabetes management strategies in pediatric patients. Earlier puberty can impact diabetes management and potentially influence long-term health outcomes. It also underlines the importance of addressing BMI and HbA1c levels to support healthier development in this vulnerable population.

While the study provides valuable insights into the relationship between T1D and early puberty, further research is needed to unravel the underlying mechanisms. Understanding these mechanisms will be crucial in developing interventions that can help manage T1D effectively in children experiencing earlier puberty.

Source:

Gohlke, B., Reschke, F., Lanzinger, S., Boettcher, C., Gemulla, G., Thiele‐Schmitz, S., Dunstheimer, D., van den Boom, L., Woelfle, J., & Holl, R. W. (2023). Time trends towards earlier puberty in boys and girls with type 1 diabetes: Insights from the German Diabetes Prospective Follow‐up (DPV) registry, 2000 to 2021. In Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.15315