Effect of metabolic control on growth and dental maturation in insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes mellitus children – An observational study

Background: Human growth is influenced by hormones, genes, and environment. Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) can disrupt normal growth in children due to chronic hyperglycemia and insulin deficiency. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of metabolic on insulin-dependent T1DM using general growth parameters and dental maturation in prepubertal age group of T1DM children. Materials and Methods: T1DM children aged 7-14 years (total 30 patients) were divided into controlled and uncontrolled T1DM groups based on their glycosylated hemoglobin values. Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and dental age (using Nolla’s method from orthopantomogram) were recorded. Independent and paired t -tests, along with Pearson’s correlation, were used (significance set at P ≤ 0.05). Results: Regardless of metabolic control, T1DM children showed less values in all growth parameters. Mean height difference of 8.58 ± 6.58 in the uncontrolled group was found statistically significant ( P < 0.001). Mean weight difference of 4.68 ± 3.28 and mean BMI difference of 0.94 ± 1.56 showed a statistically significant value ( P < 0.001 for weight and 0.035 for BMI) in the controlled group. Dental maturation mean difference of 0.43 ± 0.6 in the controlled group and 0.47 ± 0.7 in the uncontrolled group with statistical significance in both the groups. Both the groups showed a statistically significant value, ( P = 0.014) in. Conclusion: Long-standing T1DM can delay height, weight, BMI, and dental maturation, regardless of metabolic control. Although prepubertal delays may normalize by puberty, this study found greater growth impairment in uncontrolled cases, with dental maturation delayed in both the groups.