Low birth weight and insulin resistance associated with lean body adiposity in an adolescent onset diabetic patient.

We describe a patient characterized by reduced fetal growth, no history of rapid "catch-up" growth in prepubertal childhood, and adolescent onset diabetes. High doses of insulin were required for glycemic control. Pioglitazone treatment was followed by a deterioration of glycemic control and hepatic steatosis, while metformin treatment was followed by a partial response. Leptin and adiponectin levels were reduced, but a significant increase in leptin and adiponectin levels occurred concomitantly with an increase in weight and adiposity. This case suggests that some fetal genetic factors determining insulin sensitivity might be linked to a reduction in fetal growth as well as the later development of diabetes.