ADIPONECTIN SERUM LEVELS IN ADOLESCENT BOYS WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES: RELATIONSHIPS TO PUBERTAL DEVELOPMENT, SEX HORMONE BINDING GLOBULIN AND TESTOSTERONE CONCENTRATIONS

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a serious chronic disorder of childhood and represents a major public health problem.T1DM is the predominant form of diabetes during childhood and adolescence, accounting for about 90% of cases. The global incidence of T1DM is increasing worldwide, at an annual rate of 3-5%, particularly in children under the age of 5 years, and this trend leads to a significant health burden. Pubertal development is characterized by many physiological changes, involving both hormonal and metabolic processes, and these factors together with psychological issues are frequently responsible for poor glycaemic control. Treatment may be complicated by poor compliance, difficulties in targeting insulin therapy and concerns about weight gain Adiponectin is a protein hormone secreted exclusively by adipocytes that regulate the metabolism of lipids and glucose. Among adipokines, adiponectin has gained considerable attention because of its antidiabetic, antiatherogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Interest in adiponectin has increased significantly with demonstration that it has an important protective role in carcinogenesis.