Type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents- A Study of C-peptide and insulin levels

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a disease affecting mostly the adults but is being increasingly recognized in children and adolescents. However, the information about the glycemic profile and insulin resistance is scanty. Therefore, the objective of present study was to study the glycemic profile along with the levels of C-peptide, serum insulin and insulin resistance in children and adolescent withT2DM. 26 patients of either sex (08-18 years age group) suffering from T2DM and 26 normal healthy individuals served as control; were included in the study. In addition to estimation of above mentioned parameters, Homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMAIR) were also calculated using standard methods and data from patients and controls were compared by using Student’s t-test. Serum insulin, C-peptide and fasting blood glucose levels were significantly high (p<0.001) in T2DM patients as compared to healthy controls. Marked increase in insulin resistance was also observed in T2DM children and adolescents as characterized by increased HOMAIR index. Therefore, regular monitoring of blood glucose level along with HOMAIR index calculation should be carried even at the early stage of life in order to recognize the incidence of T2DM in children and adolescents. In addition, health information and emphasis on healthy diet along with regular physical exercise may be provided to the children and adolescents in educational programs.