Impact of Type 1 Diabetes on Growth in Korean Pediatric Population: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Final Adult Heights.

Abstract

Objective: The impact of Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) on growth remains uncertain, with previous studies reporting mixed findings. This study aimed to evaluate whether T1DM affects final adult height (FAH) by comparing it to genetically predicted mid-parental height (MPH).

Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed medical records of 91 individuals diagnosed with T1DM at Ajou University Hospital, Korea, between 2000 and 2024. All individuals were diagnosed at least one year before completing linear growth and continued receiving care until reaching FAH. FAH was compared with MPH, and multiple regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing growth outcomes.

Results: FAH was 1.17 cm lower than MPH in males and 0.05 cm higher than MPH in females; however, neither difference reached statistically significant. Glycemic control (mean HbA1c) and pubertal status at diagnosis were not significantly associated with FAH standard deviation score (SDS) and FAH-MPH SDS. Multiple regression analysis identified height at diagnosis and parental height as significant predictors of FAH SDS, whereas a longer diabetes duration was significantly associated with a lower FAH SDS (B = -0.058, 95% CI: -0.111 to -0.005, p = 0.032).

Conclusions: T1DM does not significantly impact FAH, but longer diabetes duration was negatively associated with final adult height. These findings emphasize the need for early growth monitoring and optimized diabetes management, particularly in individuals diagnosed at a younger age, to improve long-term outcomes.