Comparative Study of Oxidative Stress Responses in Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes and Transient Hyperglycemia.

Hyperglycemia significantly initiates oxidative stress in children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). This study investigates the differences in oxidative stress markers between pediatric patients with T1DM and those experiencing transient hyperglycemia. In this case-control study, 42 children diagnosed with T1DM, according to ISPAD (International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes), and their healthy counterparts, aged 1-6 years old, participated. Blood samples were analyzed for oxidative stress biomarkers such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). There was no statistically significant association found between the A1c % and age, BMI, and insulin dose (p > 0.05). A negative correlation was found between Se, Zn, cholesterol, GSH, and GPx (p < 0.05), as well as a statistically meaningful positive correlation with the A1c % (p < 0.001). GSH exhibited a statistically significant negative correlation (p < 0.001) with diabetic group. In comparison to control participants, plasma MDA levels (1.3 ± 0.36 µmol/L) had already increased significantly. MDA did correlate in a diabetic group with triglyceride levels (p > 0.0001) or total cholesterol. In the healthy group, the cholesterol levels were normal and apparently did not influence MDA levels. The oxidative state remained unchanged in the healthy participants experiencing temporary hyperglycemia, even though T1DM altered the link between selenium, zinc, and lipids.