INTRODUCTION:Te 1yp diabetes mellitus (DM1) requires lifelong insulin administration. Standards of care on children with DM1 may vary between countries. Since 2022, many war refugees from Ukraine with DM1 have continued treatment in Poland. AIM OF THE RESEARCH:To compare Polish (PL) and Ukrainian (UA) children with DM1 with respect to methods of insulin administration, glucose monitoring, auxological development, and comorbidities, and to re-assess UA children after 1 year of stay in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS:The retrospective analysis included 35 UA school-aged refugees and 70 PL children, matched with respect to sex, age, and DM1 duration. RESULTS:Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) were significantly more frequently used by PL children than by UA ones. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were lower in PL than in UA patients, in both CGM and CSII users. Patients' height standard deviation score (SDS) was significantly lower in UA than in PL children, while body mass index (BMI) SDS was significantly lower in UA patients on constant insulin doses. The incidence of overweight and obesity depended on the used centile charts (national for PL or UA children, or World Health Organization). After 1 year, more UA children used CSII and CGM, with an increase of height SDS and BMI SDS, while there was no effect on HbA1c. Vitamin D deficiency and autoimmune thyroiditis were common comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS:Use of CSII and especially of CGM is associated with improved DM1 control and auxological development. The migration of children with DM1 was associated with modification of their treatment and challenges in proper assessment of nutritional status.
INTRODUCTION:Glucose and lipid metabolism are tightly regulated by hormonal signaling, nutrition, and physical activity. Adolescence and young adulthood represent critical developmental periods characterized by puberty-related hormonal shifts and fluctuating insulin sensitivity. At the same time, sports supplement use has increased markedly in these age groups. AIM OF THE RESEARCH:This narrative review examined regulatory mechanisms of glucose and lipid metabolism and evaluated the available evidence regarding the metabolic effects of commonly used sports supplements in adolescents and young adults, considering baseline metabolic status such as obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes. Relevant findings from adult populations were considered when youth-specific data were limited. MATERIAL AND METHODS:A literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus was conducted for studies published up to 2025. Eligible publications included randomized controlled trials, observational studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and experimental research. Supplements of interest were creatine, carnitine, citrulline, taurine, caffeine, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), whey protein, arginine, and -alanine. RESULTS:Taurine, carnitine, and citrulline were associated with modest improvements in fasting glucose, insulin resistance, triglycerides, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, particularly in individuals with obesity or insulin resistance. Creatine appeared metabolically neutral or mildly beneficial when combined with exercise. Elevated BCAA levels were associated with impaired insulin sensitivity. Whey protein showed short-term insulinotropic effects without clear long-term benefits. Caffeine induced transient, dose-dependent reductions in insulin sensitivity. Arginine and -alanine had minimal metabolic impact. Regular physical activity remained the most consistent modulator of glucose and lipid metabolism. CONCLUSIONS:Sports supplements exert heterogeneous metabolic effects in youth. While selected supplements may provide modest benefits in specific populations, regular physical activity remains fundamental for metabolic regulation. Professional supervision and cautious use are recommended.
Childhood obesity is currently a major global health challenge affecting a growing proportion of pediatric patients. Increasing consumption of highly processed foods, excess calorie intake, and reduced physical activity are considered major contributing factors. In recent years, research has focused on other factors, one of which is the influence of gut microbiota composition. The purpose of our study was to summarize the current knowledge regarding the relationship between gut microbiota composition and metabolic diseases in the pediatric population. We searched the PubMed and Scopus databases, primarily for studies published between 2020 and 2026. The analysis showed that alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota have been reported in overweight or obese children with associated type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes, or hyperlipidemia. It was found that the composition of the gut microbiota also varies according to non-modifiable factors such as gender, age, and ethnicity. The limitations of the analyzed studies primarily include small research groups and the lack of consideration of coexisting diseases and other factors influencing the results. Despite these limitations, the evidence available indicates that the gut microbiota may contribute to the development and progression of obesity in children. Further research in this area is necessary to identify potential therapeutic approaches and preventive strategies targeting the gut microbiota and its composition in order to reduce the risk and progression of obesity in children.
