Growth attainments of Indian children with type 1 diabetes: a mixed longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate distance and velocity growth of children with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and quantify the magnitude of gender differences in anthropometric parameters.
METHODS: Children with T1D, without any coexisting condition that could affect growth were measured at half yearly intervals for body weight, height, occipito-frontal circumference (OFC), chest circumference (CC), mid upper arm circumference (MUAC), triceps skinfold thickness (TSFT), biceps skinfold thickness (BSFT) and subscapular skinfold thickness (SSSFT) using standardized techniques. Comparison of these growth parameters was made between the 2 genders as well as with the published norms.
RESULTS: Of the 115 children studied, there were no significant gender differences in weight at different age points. Boys measured taller than girls but the gender differences in height were significant only at 7 and 10 y. There was a tendency of higher BMIs in girls. In comparison to WHO standards and normal Indian children, boys had lower weight initially but became heavier later. The girls showed close similarity to their normal Indian counterparts but remained lighter than their WHO counterparts. After the initial lower height, an acceleratory trend was noted in boys but girls remained shorter throughout the study as compared to WHO peers. Boys, in general had higher CC, OFC, MUAC and MUAMC. The skinfold thicknesses recorded inconsistent growth patterns in both sexes. Growth velocities for various body parameters except skinfold thicknesses were similar in boys and girls.
CONCLUSIONS: Initial weight and height loss followed by catch up growth was noted in boys. The values of MUAC, MUAMC and skinfold thicknesses as compared to data from developed countries, were lower in present patients.