Cystatin C as an adjunct to HbA1c may prove useful in predicting the development of diabetic complications in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Purpose Complications from diabetes mellitus can occur over time and although glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a good biomarker for glycaemic control, other factors also contribute to the development of complications in type 1 diabetes. More markers able to identify the risk of complications are needed. This study aimed to investigate plasma levels of FGF21, Cystatin C, lipocalin-2, and MMP-9 in children and adolescents with different duration of type 1 diabetes and possible correlation to HbA1c to identify potential biomarkers of future complication development. Methods Patients ( n = 244, 0–18 years) with type 1 diabetes, at Helsingborg’s Hospital, Sweden, were included in this study. Circulating levels of FGF21, Cystatin C, lipocalin-2, and MMP-9 were investigated in plasma using automated ELISA with the ELLA™ system and standardised controls. Results Cystatin C levels were elevated in patients with diabetes duration longer than 5 years ( P < 0.001). HbA1c and Cystatin C levels were inversely correlated for all participants (rs = − 0.23, CI95: −0.35-−0.10; P < 0.001). A stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that HbA1c ( P < 0.001) and Cystatin C ( P = 0.03) were associated to the duration of diabetes at sampling while MMP-9, lipocalin-2, and FGF21 did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion In conclusion, Cystatin C levels were higher in patients with diabetes duration longer than 5 years, and inverse correlation was found between HbA1c and Cystatin C levels as well as duration of diabetes. Cystatin C may prove useful as an adjunct to HbA1c in predicting eventual development of diabetic complications.