Skeletal maturity and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 level in growing patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Objectives: Diabetes is a metabolic disease that can be diagnosed by persistent high blood sugar levels. This study examines the relationship between serum level of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and the maturation stage of the middle phalanx of the third finger (MP3) and determines the highest levels of serum IGF-1 throughout different phases of skeletal maturity. Material and Methods: The study included 80 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), 40 boys and 40 girls. Radiographs of MP3 and blood samples were obtained from these individuals. The MP3 radiographs were staged using the Rajagopal and Kansal method. A comparative analysis was conducted to evaluate the serum levels of IGF-1 in various phases of skeletal development. Results: The levels of IGF-1 at the time of maximum pubertal growth were significantly elevated ( p ≤ 0.001) compared with the levels observed at the onset of pubertal development and post-pubertal phase. The median IGF-I levels throughout the pubertal phases were found to be significantly different. Conclusion: Serum IGF levels can serve as a supplementary means to enhance the timing of orthodontic therapy in individuals with T1DM along with other methods of skeletal maturity assessment.