C-Reactive protein and insulin growth factor1 serum levels during the menstrual cycle in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes

Abstract

AimsTo evaluate C-reactive protein, insulin growth factor1 and lipid levels during the follicular and luteal phases in adolescents with Type1 diabetes.

MethodsAdolescents with Type1 diabetes (N=40) and healthy controls (C; N=43) were studied during the follicular and luteal phases of their menstrual cycles. C-Reactive protein, insulin growth factor1 and lipid levels were measured.

ResultsAdolescents with Type1 diabetes exhibited higher C-reactive protein levels than the Cgroup during the follicular (P<0.0001) and luteal phases (P<0.01). The elevation of C-reactive protein levels was more pronounced in overweight adolescents with Type1 diabetes than in adolescents in the Cgroup. More adolescents with Type1 diabetes were classified as having an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease (C-reactive protein>3mg/l) in the luteal phase than in the follicular phase (37.5% and 17.5%, respectively); half of the overweight adolescents with Type1 diabetes in the luteal phase reached this level. BMI was the only significant factor affecting follicular and luteal phase C-reactive protein levels in adolescents with Type1 diabetes. Lower insulin growth factor1 levels were observed during both phases of the menstrual cycle in adolescents with Type1 diabetes compared with controls. An elevation in insulin growth factor1 levels in the luteal phase relative to the follicular phase was observed in controls, but not in adolescents with Type1 diabetes. Luteal insulin growth factor1 and C-reactive protein exhibited an inverse correlation (r=-0.4, P=0.01).

ConclusionsAdolescents with Type1 diabetes have higher C-reactive protein levels and lower insulin growth factor1 levels relative to controls, especially during the luteal phase. Type1 diabetes diminishes the natural elevation in insulin growth factor1 levels observed during the luteal phase in controls. Excess weight exacerbates the subclinical inflammatory state observed during both phases of the menstrual cycle in adolescents with Type1 diabetes.